After 59 years, FG revisits reconciliation Asaba Massacre

The Federal Government is set to make a formal reconciliation declaration over the 1967 Asaba Massacre, according to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as reported by Punch Nigeria.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged survivors and families of victims of the massacre to forgive and work towards reconciliation. He described the massacre as one of the most painful and terrible aspects of the Nigerian Civil War, saying it was an unfortunate event that should never have happened. Obasanjo emphasised the need for forgiveness, stating "let us keep one thing in mind, forgiveness, forgiveness, and forgiveness again."

However, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, said while the people could forgive, they would not forget the tragedy. Azinge stated that there would be no closure or healing until a sitting President publicly apologised to the people of Asaba. According to Daily Post Nigeria, Azinge noted that former military Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, had apologised while out of office, but a sitting president's apology was needed for closure.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, Daily Post Nigeria — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.