The Federal Government is poised to make a formal reconciliation declaration regarding the tragic events of the 1967 Asaba Massacre, as announced by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. This significant announcement was made during the 59th anniversary memorial of the massacre, which saw the loss of hundreds of lives during the Nigerian Civil War.

Governor Oborevwori, represented by Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government, emphasized the importance of this acknowledgment for the healing process. He stated, "An official acknowledgement by the respective governments is critical. Delta State has acknowledged the tragedy. Nigeria will acknowledge it, and we believe the world will also acknowledge it."

The governor expressed hope that the formal reconciliation declaration would soon be made by the Nigerian Government, reinforcing the state’s commitment to securing national recognition of the massacre and the establishment of a fitting national memorial. He stressed that remembering the tragedy is not an attack on Nigeria but a necessary step towards reconciliation.

The memorial event also featured poignant statements from local leaders. The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, emphasized the community's capacity to forgive but insisted that full closure would only come with a public apology from the sitting President of Nigeria. He remarked, "We have moved on, but there will be no closure and no healing until a sitting President of Nigeria publicly apologises to the Asaba people."

Adding to the emotional atmosphere, Major-General Ahmed Ibrahim Taiwo (retd.), the son of an Army officer linked to the massacre, offered an apology to the people of Asaba. He shared his journey of researching his father's involvement, stating, "I cannot change what happened, but I believe and pray that this gesture can be a step towards reconciliation."

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who sent a recorded message to the gathering, described the Asaba Massacre as one of the most painful chapters of the Nigerian Civil War. He urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, reflecting on the emotional impact of the massacre documents he received, stating, "Never again will such a black and unpleasant day occur in Nigeria or anywhere else in Africa."

The convener of the memorial, Chief Chuks Nduka-Eze, highlighted the central message of the commemoration, asserting that "Nigerian lives matter" and questioning the lack of a comprehensive explanation for the civilian killings in Asaba. The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, called for a pursuit of truth, justice, restoration, and healing, emphasizing that forgiveness must follow these steps.

Dr. Emu concluded the event by announcing plans for a memorial center dedicated to preserving the names, testimonies, and records of the victims for future generations, stating, "We have survivors. We have testimonies. We have names, even if they may not yet be exhaustive." He reiterated that the people of Asaba have endured the consequences of the massacre and emerged stronger, underscoring that reconciliation is about forgiveness, not revenge.