Igbos on Twitter are Sharing the Lasting Legacies of the Biafran War

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as Biafran War, began in the year 1967 and ended in the year 1970. It’s been fifty years since the war ended, and the war is still not discussed or taught in schools as a part of Nigeria’s history. Those who learn about the war are those who were either directly affected, or have family members that were directly affected by it.

Many young Nigerians today who grew up in the West or whose families were not directly affected by the war know next to nothing about it. However, a couple of people who experienced the war either directly or through their parents eyes are sharing their stories on Twitter.

A lot are from interactions are from a tweet many have seen as distasteful.

Biafra was a WAR. A bloody WAR. Not an INVASION. There were unprintable killings, looting, stealing and ills on both sides. So many many books by the primary players document this. Stop talking about Biafra only from the victim perspective as though it was an invasion!!!

Many people, from all tribes, saw his tweet as distasteful and asked him not to speak on the matter if he didn’t understand what really happened, and the Igbos who had stories decided to use that as an opportunity to educate anyone who might have similar opinions.

Here’s what they had to say about the Biafran war:

Ayo, EASTERN NIGERIA WAS INVADED, 3 MILLION CIVILIANS MURDERED, FOOD AND HEALTH SUPPLIES BLOCKED FROM REACHING CIVILIANS, STARVATION AND HUNGER. THAT WASN'T A WAR, THAT WAS A GENOCIDE! A GENOCIDE!!!!

My dad was recruited as a child soldier,he lost his onlybroda wen the naija army attacked,I encouraged him to talk about da conflict as a way to help him heal,alot of our past leaders who had a hand in that conflict,avoid the topic bcos they committed war crime's and they know it

It was a genocide. In war, we don't target unarmed civilians, women, and children. In war, we don't bomb places of worship, schools, and hospitals. Go read about what Murtala said at the end of the war. Or Adekunle's speech during the conflict.

I wasn't there during the war, but those who were alive then have told stories of events, none of the Westerners running their mouths here had any experience, neither do they know of any after effect of the damage that was done or is being done till today,

they all sing "move on" but till today the war is yet to be over, those who occupy the corridors of power and security have always used their offices to fight the Igbos till this day, they complain and groan when they even buy their properties and build houses today.

When they returned to Lagos in the middle of the war; from Asaba, my grandparents returned to their own pad. Neighbors told on them. They hid my grandpa, my grandma spoke Hausa, Cried and said said he was in his villiage. Or they'd have all died. But here you are, chatting shit.