The Nigerian Army, through its Heritage and Future Center, recently visited several heritage sites in Anambra State that were used by the defunct Biafran Army during the Nigerian Civil War. The purpose of the visit was to profile and inspect these war heritage sites, which included the Biafran airstrip in Uli, the reconciliation house in Amichi, Ojukwu’s bunker in Amorka, and other locations in Abagana.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, welcomed the military delegation, led by Major General John Sokoya, during the visit. Onyenji expressed his gratitude for the Nigerian Army’s interest in preserving these historical sites, emphasizing that the effort would offer vital lessons for future generations. He also hoped that this partnership with the military would breathe life into the heritage sites, promote tourism, and bring more human activity to the area.
Major General Sokoya, leader of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center, expressed his appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the people of Anambra for their warm reception. He stressed that the army’s mission was not to reopen the wounds caused by the civil war but to identify and preserve these significant sites for historical reference. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that such tragic history does not repeat itself.
Dr. ABC Ojiakor, a native of Uli who was six years old when the war began, remarked that he had long expected the Nigerian Army to complete this assignment. He noted that many remnants of the civil war, if preserved, could have been turned into a war museum. Dr. Ojiakor shared memories of how his father’s house, close to the Uli airstrip, was used by the Biafran Army for military and security intelligence operations. Due to the heavy bombardment by the Nigerian Army to prevent relief aircraft from landing, each family in the area had to create their own bunkers for safety.
Dr. Ojiakor also used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to follow the rule of law and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a move he believes would help address insecurity in the Southeast. He also emphasized the need to create more job opportunities for the region’s youth.
He thanked Governor Soludo and the Nigerian Army for the security measures they’ve put in place within the community. As part of the visit, the Nigerian Army presented a plaque to Governor Soludo, which was received by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
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