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Asaba Awaits President’s Apology Over 1967 Massacre — Traditional Ruler
People of Asaba are still waiting for an official apology from the Nigerian government over the killing of hundreds of residents during the 1967 civil war, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Chukwuka Victor Ekweani, said on Tuesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at a public forum in Asaba, the monarch described the massacre as one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s history. He said justice and acknowledgment of the tragedy are long overdue.
“The wounds of our people are yet to heal. We are still waiting for the Nigerian government to apologize and recognize the pain inflicted on Asaba during the civil war,” HRM Ekweani said.
The 1967 Asaba massacre occurred in October 1967, when soldiers reportedly opened fire on unarmed civilians in the city, killing hundreds of men, women, and children. Survivors have described horrific scenes of violence, and many families lost multiple members.
HRM Ekweani said that while several decades have passed, the memories remain vivid among the citizens. “Our people still remember the tragedy. Families were destroyed, and children were orphaned. An apology from the government would help to heal some of this pain,” he added.
The Asagba also urged the federal government to take concrete steps toward reconciliation, including compensating survivors and their families. “Words alone are not enough. There must be actions that reflect the government’s commitment to justice and peace,” he said.
Over the years, various groups have called on the Nigerian government to acknowledge the Asaba massacre officially. Human rights organizations and historians have repeatedly documented the events, highlighting the need for formal recognition and apology.
Mr. Ekweani said that remembering the massacre is not about blaming the present generation but about ensuring that history is accurately recorded and that justice is served. “Acknowledging past wrongs is important for national unity and reconciliation. It is a step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future,” he said.
The monarch also emphasized the role of education and awareness in preserving the memory of those lost. “Our children should know what happened so that they understand the sacrifices made and the lessons history teaches us,” he said.
While some state officials have expressed sympathy for the victims, the federal government has yet to issue a formal apology or announce any specific reparations. HRM Ekweani stressed that Asaba residents remain patient but determined in their quest for justice.
“We are not asking for revenge. We are asking for recognition, acknowledgment, and a sincere apology. That would go a long way in healing the wounds of our community,” he said.
Asaba, the capital of Delta State, remains a city marked by resilience. The Asagba called on both local and national leaders to work together to ensure that such tragedies are neither forgotten nor repeated.
“History must guide us. The memory of the 1967 massacre should remind us of the importance of peace, tolerance, and unity in Nigeria,” he concluded.
The people of Asaba continue to observe annual memorials in honor of those who died in 1967. They hope that one day, the Nigerian government will join in commemorating the lives lost and offer the apology that many have long awaited.
According to Nivo News, the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has declared what he described as divine judgment on bandits and their alleged sponsors responsible for insecurity across parts of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, during a sermon themed “Covenant Day of Vengeance,” Oyedepo stated that those behind killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks would face divine retribution. He further claimed that within the next seven days, consequences would begin to manifest against those he accused of fueling unrest in the country, assuring worshippers that the coming week would be marked by “testimonies of vengeance.”
He was quoted as saying that judgment had been pronounced on individuals responsible for such acts and their supporters, adding that the outcome he referenced would unfold within a week.
In a related remark during a recent midweek service, Oyedepo also acknowledged the presence of fraudsters within and outside religious spaces, warning that his identity and images were being exploited for fraudulent schemes. He urged members of his congregation to remain vigilant and committed to truth to avoid falling victim to scams involving impersonation.
He recounted a case where an individual allegedly posed as him in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims, noting that such incidents highlight the growing sophistication of fraudulent activities.
A political disagreement has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reported endorsement of Senator Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the move has sparked tension between the governor and his predecessor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura, who faulted the decision, describing it as premature and not properly consulted within party structures.
Al-Makura, a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, expressed displeasure that he only became aware of the endorsement through media reports. He argued that the decision should have involved wider consultation, warning that such early endorsements could undermine internal party processes.
He further noted that the APC had not begun its formal nomination process, insisting that declaring support for a candidate at this stage was inappropriate and ahead of schedule.
The controversy was further heightened by former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu, who is also aspiring for the APC governorship ticket. He rejected the endorsement, stating that no individual has the authority to impose a candidate, and reaffirmed his intention to contest in the party primaries.
In response, Governor Sule, through his media aide, defended the endorsement, stating that it was consistent with political traditions in the state. He referenced past succession arrangements, including Al-Makura’s own endorsement of him, arguing that the current process was in line with established practice but being conducted more transparently.
The governor’s camp clarified that Senator Wadada remains a preferred aspirant and not the party’s official candidate.
Senator Wadada, reacting to the development, called for calm among party members, describing the situation as part of normal political competition. He also downplayed tensions with other aspirants, noting that the contest should be seen as a democratic process.
Meanwhile, support for Adamu continues to grow in parts of Nasarawa South, where youths, women, and stakeholders have openly backed his ambition, alongside broader endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Adamu, however, maintained that he remains firmly in the race, accusing some political actors of inconsistency in the unfolding succession dynamics.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has described as unnecessary the denial issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding an invitation allegedly extended to him for the groundbreaking ceremony of an ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the Sultan’s media team maintained that an official invitation was duly sent to His Eminence requesting his attendance as Royal Father of the Day. The statement explained that the event also listed key dignitaries, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as Distinguished Guest of Honour, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu as Mother of the Day.
The Sultan’s office emphasised that his participation in the proposed Christian event would promote interfaith harmony, noting his role as Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). It added that globally, religious leaders often engage in events outside their faith traditions as part of efforts to encourage unity and peaceful coexistence.
The response follows an earlier clarification from CAN, which denied issuing any invitation to the Sultan and stated that the document circulating in public was not from the association. CAN further explained that the communication in question originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and insisted that it had no involvement in inviting the Sultan to the event.
While acknowledging that the SGF’s office was linked to the invitation process, the Sultan’s media team expressed concern over CAN’s denial, describing it as unnecessary and capable of creating misunderstanding, especially since the Sultan did not request to attend the ceremony.
The statement also urged religious bodies to focus on messages that strengthen unity and promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
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