Today in History: Straightforward Explanation of Nigerian Civil War – Biafra

The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970) also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War or the Biafran War) was a war fought between the government of Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state that had declared its independence from Nigeria in 1967. 

Nigeria was led by General Yakubu Gowon, while Biafra was led by Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu. 

Biafra represented the nationalist aspirations of the Igbo ethnic group, whose leadership also felt they could no longer coexist with the federal government dominated by the interests of the Hausa-Fulani Muslims of northern Nigeria. 

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However, The conflict is the result of political, economic, ethnic, cultural, and religious tensions that preceded Britain’s formal decolonization of Nigeria from 1960 to 1963.

The immediate causes of the war in 1966 included ethnoreligious violence and anti-pogroms. Igbo in northern Nigeria, a military coup, a counter-coup, and persecution of the Igbo living in northern Nigeria. Control over profitable oil production in the Niger Delta has also played a vital strategic role.  

Where is the Igbo tribe?

Igbo, also called Ibo, people living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria who speak Igbo, a language of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The Igbo grouped into the following main cultural divisions: northern, southern, western, eastern or Cross River, and northeastern. 

Are Igbos From Israel?

The Igbo are one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. Among them is a minority of practicing Jews who believe they are descended from the “lost tribes” of Israel.  

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Who is the Current Leader of Biafra?

Nnamdi Okwu Kanu (born 25 September 1967) is a British-Nigerian political activist who advocates for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria. He is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he founded in 2014. 

How Many Soldiers does Biafra Have?

At the beginning of the Nigerian Civil War, Biafra had 3,000 soldiers. This number grew as the war progressed, ultimately reaching 30,000. No official support for the Biafran Army came from any other nation, although arms were clandestinely acquired. 

What is the Full Meaning of Biafra?

Biafra region formerly a local government region: seceded as an independent republic (1967–70) during the Civil War, but defeated by Nigerian government forces. 

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Is Biafra a Real Country?

Biafra, a breakaway state in West Africa that unilaterally declared its independence from Nigeria in May 1967. It was the former eastern region of Nigeria and was inhabited mainly by Igbo (Ibo) people. Biafra also ceased to exist as an independent state in January 1970. 

How did Biafra War Start in Nigeria?

In 1967, under the leadership of 33-year-old military leader Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Republic of Biafra broke apart after two coups and riots that caused an estimated one million Igbo back to southeastern Nigeria. However, Biafra presented itself to the Nigerian government after 30 months of conflict.  

What Caused the Biafra War in 1967?

The conflict was the result of economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tensions between the various peoples of Nigeria. Like many other African nations, Nigeria was also an artificial structure by the British who had neglected to consider religious, linguistic and ethnic differences.  

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