IBB’s Shocking Revelation Sparks Growing Demand For Apology And Compensation From Igbos Over Civil War

In the wake of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) recent revelation absolving the Igbo ethnic group of any involvement in the 1966 coup, leading Igbo leaders and groups have strongly supported calls for an official apology and compensation from the Federal Government.

In his book ‘A Journey In Service’, IBB clarified that the coup was not ethnically motivated, citing the efforts of Major John Obienu, an Igbo officer, who played a pivotal role in quelling the mutiny. He also revealed that many senior Igbo officers were tragically killed during the unrest.

For years, the Igbo community has sought recognition and restitution for the injustices they endured during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War. IBB’s statement has reignited calls for justice, with the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, taking a prominent stand.

On Sunday, Ohanaeze demanded a formal apology and N10 trillion in compensation from President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the coup had disastrous effects on the Igbo people, ultimately leading to the devastating Biafran War. The Deputy National President of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, emphasized that the apology and compensation were essential due to the staggering loss of life, with an estimated three million Igbos—mainly innocent women and children—perishing during the war.

Other Igbo leaders and organizations have rallied behind Ohanaeze, voicing their support for the demand for an apology and compensation as a vital step toward healing the deep wounds of the past and fostering national unity.

Adding his voice to the cause, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, former president of an Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, suggested that the compensation should include extensive repair of public infrastructure in the region, which was severely damaged during the war.