Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on survivors, families, and the people of Asaba to embrace forgiveness and national reconciliation following the 1967 Asaba Massacre.
​Obasanjo made the call on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while serving virtually as Chairman of the occasion during the Asaba Massacre Memorial Remembrance Day held in Asaba, Delta State. The solemn gathering also coincided with activities concluding the second coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler of Asaba, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN.
​Describing the 1967 civil war tragedy as “one of the most painful and terrible aspects” of Nigeria’s history, Obasanjo stated that the civil war was an unfortunate event that should never have occurred. He emphasized that peace and national unity depend on a shared resolve to avoid repeating past atrocities, reiterating his call for a firm commitment to “Never Again”.
​Addressing the delegates, which included key dignitaries such as the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, Obasanjo highlighted that he was deeply moved to tears after receiving historical documentations on the tragic event compiled by Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze.
​Responding to Obasanjo’s address, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, affirmed that while the people of Asaba are willing to grant forgiveness, true healing requires official state accountability.
​”We need a sitting president to apologise to Asaba people; that will bring closure,” traditional ruler Prof. Epiphany Azinge declared, noting that while the community can forgive, it will never forget the innocent lives lost.
​The monarch also questioned Obasanjo’s appeal of “never again,” referencing the Odi killings that occurred under Obasanjo’s civilian administration in 1999. “Coming from him, I was a bit taken aback. How long do we say ‘never again’? But it happened at Odi,” Azinge remarked.
​Despite the unfulfilled demand for an official government apology, the Asagba made a historic gesture of reconciliation by publicly proclaiming forgiveness on behalf of the town for the family of retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Taiwo.
The gesture followed a formal apology previously tendered by Maj.-Gen. Taiwo’s son on behalf of his late father and family for acts and omissions surrounding the 1967 killings.
​Speaking on behalf of the anniversary organisation, Chief Ambassador Charles Onianwa (Ikukuoma Asaba), Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, alongside Palace Secretary Chief P.N.C. Ndili, detailed the long-term vision to preserve the memory of the victims.
​As part of the proceedings, organizers virtually unveiled the proposed Asaba Memorial Centre. Stakeholder coordinator Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze outlined plans for the upcoming 60th anniversary, which will feature a memorial garden planted with 1,000 trees, each representing a life lost during the 1967 tragedy.
