In a poignant call for remembrance, 75-year-old Biafran war veteran, Mr. Sasa Ugwumba Kalu Nwoke, known as Corporal Nwafor, has urged the establishment of a Biafra Remembrance Day. This initiative aims to honor the victims and veterans of the Nigerian Civil War, particularly in light of the ongoing recognition of the Asaba massacre on its 59th anniversary.

Speaking from Umuahia, Nwoke emphasized the importance of acknowledging not only the Asaba victims but also those who lost their lives in various regions during the conflict. He questioned the reluctance to remember Biafra’s history, stating, "Who is afraid of remembering Biafra?" He highlighted that if the world can remember other genocides, there should be no hesitation in commemorating the Biafran experience.

The Asaba massacre commemoration, which was recently chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has sparked discussions about the broader implications of the civil war. Nwoke believes this moment could serve as a catalyst for a national dialogue about the painful history of the conflict. He remarked, "Let’s go along with them. After now, we will go in a second step, a third step, until we reconcile all the patches involved in this Biafran experience."

Reflecting on the war's justification, Nwoke criticized the Nigerian government for the immense loss of life during the conflict, labeling it a needless war. He argued that the sacrifices made by Igbos and other Biafrans were in vain, questioning the rationale behind fighting to maintain national unity. "Look at the country now. Is there any justification for the war?" he asked, insisting that genuine reconciliation can only occur through confronting the war's realities.

Nwoke also expressed concern over the lack of historical education regarding the civil war in Nigeria. He accused successive governments of neglecting to teach younger generations about the war and its significant figures, leaving them unaware of the events that shaped the nation. He stated, "Suppressing history only ensures that younger generations grow up without understanding the events that shaped the country."

The veteran lamented the neglect faced by Biafran war veterans, many of whom have died in poverty without recognition. "The war veterans have been totally forgotten. Nobody else remembers us," he lamented, urging the Igbo community to honor its historical figures instead of waiting for federal acknowledgment.

Recalling his experiences during the war, Nwoke described the Uzuakoli sector as one of the fiercest battlegrounds, claiming that he, along with two other officers, was pivotal in defending Umuahia. He stated, "Only three Biafran officers effectively defended Umuahia during the war."

Nwoke’s reflections on the civil war underscore the need for a national reckoning with Nigeria's past. He believes that understanding history is essential for building a more inclusive future, stating, "War should only be fought for a clearly defined and morally defensible purpose."

As the conversation around the Biafran experience continues, Nwoke’s call for remembrance and education serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the civil war on Nigeria's collective consciousness.