According to Tony Nnadi, Secretary-General of the Lower Niger Congress (LNC) and Co-Founder of NINAS, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon’s rejection of claims that genocide occurred during the Nigerian Civil War is inconsistent with statements and reflections made by key figures who participated in the events surrounding the conflict.
Nnadi made the remarks during an interview with Afia News on June 3, 2026, while reacting to Gowon’s recent comments on the Biafran War and the enduring debate over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.
Speaking on the issue, Nnadi argued that historical accounts from prominent military and political leaders who were directly involved in the war provide important perspectives that should be carefully considered. According to him, several individuals who played significant roles during Nigeria’s military era have, over the years, made comments that challenge aspects of the official narrative surrounding the conflict.
He maintained that such testimonies are relevant to understanding the circumstances that led to the widespread suffering, displacement, and loss of life experienced during the war. Nnadi contended that dismissing allegations of genocide without addressing these accounts risks overlooking critical aspects of Nigeria’s history.
Referring to comments previously attributed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nnadi said: “We saw very recently when Obasanjo said that they shouldn’t have fired or opened any fight with the Biafrans.”
According to Nnadi, statements such as these indicate that there are still unresolved questions about the decisions and actions that culminated in the outbreak of the civil war. He argued that a comprehensive understanding of the conflict requires an honest examination of historical records, eyewitness accounts, and reflections from those who participated in the events.
The NINAS co-founder further stated that the experiences of millions of people affected by the war should remain central to discussions about the conflict. He emphasized that the memories of individuals who lost family members, homes, and livelihoods cannot be erased through official denials or differing interpretations of history.
Nnadi called for a broader national conversation that acknowledges diverse perspectives on the civil war and its consequences. He maintained that meaningful reconciliation and historical understanding can only be achieved through open engagement with the facts, testimonies, and experiences of all those impacted by one of the most significant chapters in Nigeria’s history…. Discover More
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