Monarch demands federal varsity as compensation for Asaba massacre

• Idigbe hails Asagba, pledges to support him

The new Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has called on the Federal Government, to give the town a federal university as compensation for the Asaba massacre.

The monarch, who described the October 7, 1967 Asaba massacre as a heinous crime against humanity, made the demand during the 2024 Asaba Memorial Day celebration, a yearly event set aside in memory and remembrance of victims of the 1967 Asaba massacre.

He said: “The painful event of October 7, 1967, would forever remain indelible in the hearts of the people of Asaba. There can never be a justification for the unwarranted killings. We demand from the Federal Government a federal university to compensate us for the heinous crime against humanity done to us.

“The Nigerian army massacred over 1,000 people of Asaba in the heat of the civil war. The victims were innocent and unarmed family people. It is 57 years now the men and youths of Asaba were massacred in the most gruesome manner. It is a tragedy that we can never forget.

“All over the world, the killing of innocent and defenceless people is a serious crime against humanity. Even if we forgive, we can never forget the atrocities of the Nigerian army against our people.”

In a welcome remark, Chairman of the Asaba Memorial and Monument yearly event, Chuck Nduka-Eze, said that the remembrance event was symbolic to the people of Asaba.

He said that though the people of Asaba were yet to receive official apologies for the massacre of the innocent indigenes, the Army’s delegation that visited the Asagba palace a few weeks ago promised to go into dialogue to pacify those whose loved ones paid the supreme sacrifice during the civil war.

Meanwhile, President of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), Dr Anthony Idigbe (SAN), has congratulated Azinge on his coronation.

He said: “It is an honour and privilege to witness in my lifetime the coronation of an Asagba of Asaba. As Olinzele, my role is to support the institution. I do this by providing advice when consulted and rendering my services as requested or directed.”

Idigbe reiterated the need to construct the trade fair complex and exhibition centre in Asaba, stressing that with the establishment of more industries, unemployment will be reduced.