Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) was never intended to be a conflict against the Igbo people, but rather an effort to preserve Nigeria's unity.
Speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, Gowon disclosed that he issued a strict code of conduct to Nigerian soldiers, instructing them to only engage with Biafran armed forces while protecting civilians.
Protecting Civilians During Conflict
"From the beginning I never wanted the war against the Igbos as such, but it was to stop the breaking up of Nigeria," Gowon stated. "So what I did was to give a code of conduct on how the operations were to go. You are not fighting the people, make sure you protect the people, protect the women and their children – only take up arms against those who take arms against you."
The former Head of State, who led Nigeria during the civil war that claimed millions of lives in the former Eastern region, emphasized that he warned soldiers that any mistreatment of civilians would be dealt with severely.
Commitment to Nigerian Unity
Gowon explained that the conflict emerged unexpectedly following reactions against the unitary system of government. "I had a responsibility to keep Nigeria united," he said, "and I warned that if the situation gets to this stage where I have to choose to align with the break up or the other side, I know where my responsibility is – my loyalty is to the country."
According to Gowon, efforts were made to communicate with civilians in the conflict zone. "We tried to send leaflets against the people that the war is not against them," he added.
The former military leader also mentioned that he was unaware of the counter-coup in 1966 until he was awakened that night with news of events in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, remains one of the most significant events in Nigeria's post-independence history, with lasting implications for national unity and ethnic relations.
Stay updated with the latest news on Nigerian history and politics by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
