₦airaland Forum

PropertyBuying:
It's a question to be answered by the ancestors.

See your dirty teeth.

Frankdoz8:
The Abagana Ambush (March 31, 1968) was an ambush by Biafran guerrilla troops led by Major Jonathan Uchendu that wiped out the Nigerian 2 DivisionOf the 6,000 Nigerian troops ambushed, only a very small number survived, including the 2nd Division's commander, General Murtala Muhammad.
On 4 October 1967, the Nigerian 2nd Division began bombarding Onitsha and continued the assault for eight days, before a 10 boat armada crossed the Niger River into the city. The occupying Nigerians didn't pursue retreating Biafran soldiers and instead opted to loot and burn the Onitsha market to the ground. The Biafran 11th and 18th Battalions under MajorJoseph Achuzie and Col. Assam Nsudoh formed a pincer and attacked Onitsha from two directions, capturing and killing most Nigerian soldiers.

On December 1967 the Nigerian 2nd Division and the 6th Battalion crossed the Niger River at Idah and began making their way towards Onitsha, finally capturing the City after several attempts. The Nigerian Forces now intended to link up the 1st Division at Enugu with the 2nd Division at Onitsha. To this end the Nigerian 2nd Division moves out towards Enugu, in a long convoy supported by armored cars.

On the 31st day of March 1968, a convoy consisting of 106 vehicles belonging to the Nigerian 2nd Division transporting 6,000 soldiers, as well as armour from Onitsha to Enugu was ambushed and decimated in the town of Abagana by a small unit of Biafran soldiers led by Major Jonathan Uchendu.
Homemade Ogbunigwe rocket missiles were launched by the Biafrans at a tanker truck carrying gasoline which caused an enormous explosion destroying many of the convoy's armoured vehicles and killing a large number of Nigerian troops. 350 tons of Nigerian Army equipment were destroyed or captured by the Biafran troops. After the rocket attack the Biafran soldiers opened fire on the convoy with small arms fire killing many more Nigerian soldiers.
The successful ambush at Abagana gave both Biafran soldiers and civilians hope in the war as well as temporarily halting the Nigerian advance into Biafran territory. General Murtala Mohammed was relieved of his command and never commanded a division again.

In his own words, Uchendu said the sight of the convoy almost paralyzed his troops. His boys were so anxious to start firing, more out of panic than anything else. He asked them to remain calm until he gave the command. He allowed many of the Nigerian 2 Div. convoy pass through. His boys were shocked why he would allow them go through into Biafran held zone. They were nervous, suspicious, yet they trusted he military gallantry and so awaited to know his strategy. He said they concluded that the war was over, but as brave soldiers, they must fight to the last!
As he was guiding the soldier (I think a Sergeant) with the rocket launcher on what to do to the invading convoy and when best to strike, the soldier nervously and accidentally pressed the trigger, letting go the rocket! Luckily, he hit a target - a fuel Tanker! The Tanker exploded and threw its contents onto a nearby Armour carrier setting everything ablaze. The multiple explosion commenced!
In panic, soldiers who already crossed over into Biafran line ran in different directions in total confusion. Biafran soldiers attacked. They radioed the regular troops and they joined in the attack. When Uchendu learnt that Muritala Mohammed was with the Convoy and somewhere in Nawfia, he set off hurriedly to capture him but was late as Muritala was sighted taking off with a Helicopter!

The above story is pelted with inaccurate statements.

[s]

BoboNkiti19:
Afonja dunce the only country from that list that supplied Biafra with weapons was France, and even at that the supplies weren't even 1/10th of what Nigeria got in armada of limitless supplies from the likes of Britain and Russia... As a matter of fact Biafra only started getting weapons from France late into 1968, prior to that the Biafran military had to largely rely on weapons patented by Biafrans like Ogbunigwe, and weapons captured from the Nigerian side in battle. South Africa, Portugal, Belgium NEVER militarily supported Biafra, as a matter of fact only few mercenaries from those countries ever fought with Biafra, and they didn't last long in service due to acute shortage of weapons... the only mercenaries that stayed and fought with Biafrans till the last were Major Taffy Williams (a South African), and a Swede pilot called Carl Gustaf Von Rosen.

And Igbos don't need to start another war, we're far too invested in bettering ourselves and dominating you on your own turfs in nearly all indices of achievement than worry about a country that will sooner or later self-implode anyways. You take pride in the idiotic notion that Igbos "lost woefully", yeah maybe we lost more in civilian numbers(women and children) ... but undiluted stats show you lost far more man in the battle where true bravery availed itself. Many years later your region can NEVER beat the Igbos on any fair ground or index of achievements despite your people not seeing or feeling the heat of the war... so who's really the biggest loser?

If dem say make una brush up your knowledge by reading extensively about the civil war una no go gree read, except by amplifying your already infectious ignorance with the trash you're been fed on Nairaland by uninformed morons SMH.

[/s]Osu lunatic, Show us the British armies in the battlefield like the ones below instead of writing epistle that belongs to trash can.

The osu lunatic, we are waiting

LESSON TO LEARN: SAY NO TO ANY FORM OF DISCRIMINATION.

I have always wondered what the grouse of the Biafrans who sabotaged the republic might have been. For the likes of Isaac Boro, Saro Wiwa, Ike Nwachukwu, and co who fought with the enemy I understood, but for Biafrans especially the Igbos who were supposedly on the side of the Biafra to have betrayed their kith and kin have always had me baffled. That is not until recently when I discovered the fact no one has been brave enough to say. I knew it was not just money. I had decided to search for the truth and pay dirt!

To many, Biafra saboteurs were the likes of Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Phillip Alale and co. That is just a bunch of disgruntled military officers and civilians who did not like the way Ojukwu was carrying on with his role as the Head of State of the Biafra Republic. Only a few realized that the saboteurs were everywhere: in the rank and file of the Biafran military, intelligence, police research and production, administrative etc.

Whenever the phrase Biafran saboteurs are mentioned, many peoples’ mind usually go to Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Phillip Alale, Victor Banjo, Sam Agbam, and co. Whereas Ifejuna, a renowned coup plotter and other soldiers who were not happy with Ojukwu’s style of leadership caught a deal with Gowon and plotted to overthrow his government, a more vicious, dangerous but hidden set of saboteurs who undermined the Biafra project from the beginning were the Osus. (out casts)

Eyes turning? Yes the Osus in Igboland made sure Biafra never came. Why? The Osus felt they would be maltreated in Biafra Republic and were more comfortable in Nigeria than in Biafra. They were scared of becoming the second citizens of the new Biafra. This was revealed by a Biafran veteran, Major Ignatius Ebbe who fought under Col Timothy Onwuatuegwu, in his book “Broken back Axle: Unspeakable events in Biafra” The sabotage began even before Nigerian government launched attack on Biafra through its so called “Police Action”. Trouble started during the second Consultative Assembly, Ojukwu had called, made up of elder statesmen, chiefs, business and political leaders ‘from the then Eastern Region of Nigeria which was under the governance of Ojukwu.

The Assembly was called to sound out the opinion of the people and fashion out way the region could forge ahead under the situation of the moment. According to Major Ebbe, Ojukwu had announced in the session that in preparation for the declaration of the Biafra Republic, he was appointing a particular lawyer from Nnewi to represent the interest of Biafra in the United States, and that he was going to give him Six Million pounds (£6,000,00o) to purchase weapons and equipment to defend the republic. No one in the Assembly objected, after all it was Ojukwu’s father’s money that was being spent. However, trouble started during the recess following the announcement. Many would be surprised that an innocuous and unguarded comment caused Biafrans the republic. Ojukwu was having a light conversation with two individuals during the recess, when another individual joined them and questioned Ojukwu’s wisdom to make such an appointment he had just announced.

“In his words [paraphrased], “Nwanna udi okwa inyelu di anyi bu okwa ana enye nwafor“. Implying that Ojukwu should not have given the Nnewi lawyer such a post, he had announced, as such appointments should be reserved for freeborn and not Osus.

There was silence as soon as the words were spoken. You could hear the pen drop. Neither Ojukwu nor the others responded. That was when the speaker realized his blunder. The other two individuals conversing with Ojukwu were also Osu. Their hearts were torn, by such a comment emanating from a so called Nwanna. Perhaps Ojukwu felt that by keeping quiet and not responding, the whole thing would die away, after all he knew the lawyer, who was from his town was an Osu, before appointing him and did not rescind his decision to appoint the man into such a position, even after the incident. That however turned out to be a mistake. Maybe had he reprimanded the individual who made the silly comment there and then, the two Osus may have been appeased? But he didn’t.

The individuals went back after the recess and continued with the Assembly. After which everyone left not knowing what had transpired between Ojukwu and the rest. The two Osus, who had been with Ojukwu, went back to tell the lawyer who has been appointed by Ojukwu on the mission, of what transpired. He understandably became infuriated saying that what it implies was that, when Biafra comes they would be treated like second class citizens. He thereby instructed the others that their mission would be to sabotage the emergence of the republic. He was quoted as saying, “Biafra would be declared, but we will make sure there would be no Biafra.” Biafra would be declared, but it would not be actualized. They however forgot to put into consideration that the opinion was that of a single individual not a consensus among the so called freeborns and took things really far. Through their powerful network, every other Osu in Igboland was informed and told to sabotage the effort.

They subsequently made contact with the Nigerian government and making them aware of their disposition. As these were going on, every other Biafran was simply unaware of the happenings. Few days after, the lawyer left Biafra for United States, via Cameroon and France. Ojukwu transferred the £6million pounds to an account he had already opened for the purpose. Weeks later, the expected weapons never came and the money disappeared. That was when it downed on the people that Barr C.C. Mojekwu had diverted the whooping £6million pounds meant for Biafra defense for his private use. Many never knew what caused it; they felt he was just greedy. That was the first act of sabotage. Instead of buying weapons, he went ahead to buy a mansion in Chicago were he settled and from there was coordinating the rest of the saboteurs in Biafra. As expected there were Osus everywhere in the land.

They were therefore in the Biafran Army high command, cabinet, Defence Operations, Armoury, Biafran military intelligence, militia, civilians, administrators etc. From the onset of the war, the Biafra was fighting two wars. Fighting internal enemy who they couldn’t see, and external aggressors. On several occasions, Biafran army units, companies and battalions were unknowingly set against each by the Osus in the Army headquarters etc. The second prominent act of sabotage which was gloomily announced by Ojukwu was during the first week of the war. Ojukwu had wanted to decimate Nigeria army and put fear in them so they would withdraw from their Police Action. The setting was in Gakem Ogoja. Biafran army command had got wind that Nigeria army was coming to attack the area to penetrate into Biafran. The Biafran scientists in Research and Production (RAP), had invented a deadly land mine.

The mines were laid at Gakem in a 4 square mile killing zone, waiting for the Nigerian forces. Everything was set for the decimation. As the Nigeria forces started invading, Biafran forces, who were not much, tactically withdrew to lure them into the killing zone. When the Nigerian forces got into the zone, the army engineers tried to detonate the mines but nothing happened. Unknown to them one of the saboteurs had replaced the fuse with a fake and nonfunctioning one. The engineer unaware of this tried all he could and the mines refused to detonate, as Nigerian forces approached. He ran back to where the spare fuses were kept. They have all disappeared. The saboteur also took those aware. The plot which would have been deadlier than the Abagana massacre, which shook Murtala Mohammed out of the war failed and Nigeria forces entered Biafra land. Devastated Ojukwu came out to announce this act of sabotage to Biafrans.

Another prominent act of sabotage that led to the fall of Biafra was the Opi junction withdrawal. Biafran soldiers stationed at Opi Junction to gaurd against the invasion of Nsukka and Enugu unceremoniously withdrew from their positions even without being attacked by the enemy. Three days after the withdrawal, Nigeria forces marched into Nsukka unchallenged. From there, they marched on to Enugu. Even before Enugu fail, Biafran saboteurs masquerading as Nigerian forces were shelling the town to scare people away from Enugu. Mortar shells and bullet cases recovered in various parts of Enugu confirmed them to be of Biafran make and not Nigeria. This is an opener for everyone.

God created everyone as equal and no one should be treated as an outcast or a second class citizens. I am sure the Osus who sabotaged the Biafran cause would be regretting their actions. We have all suffered together ever since. Boko Haram does not know who is Osu and who is not. We are one and the same special creations of God. Everyone no matter how little has a role to play and could frustrate other people’s efforts if neglected or rejected. They deed has been done, but we must all learn from our mistakes and forge ahead with love. Say no to discrimination of whatever kind!.


From Opera News Hub

illicit:
we understand what fighting a lost war means, that's why we neither start nor fight one....
and if one should occur spontaneously, we know how to chose sides....
try it..... it always work

I tell you.

Odkosh:
[s][/s]Osu lunatic, Show us the British armies in the battlefield like the ones below instead of writing epistle that belongs to teach can.

There were a lot of them, they labeled themselves "war monitors". There was a time sun newspaper was posting all those as memoirs.

illicit:
that was the Oyo empire....
am from Ekiti

Typical Yari.ba!!!

goodnessme1:
Can yorubas defeat any of the minority tribe in nigeria.if
there is any just mention it here.

Talk more of fighting the whole nigeria with it foreign support.

Your question will have answer if your osu tribe alone can summon courage to start war with the yorubas. Giving you answer here is of no use. Tell your parents to summon courage to start war with yorubas.

Malawian:
There were a lot of them, they labeled themselves "war monitors". There was a time sun newspaper was posting all those as memoirs.

Talk is useless. Show us like this. I even have the video.

adekolaelect:
I am tired with this your stories of past lost battle .Don't take anything past unfortunate to my side .I always like to move with people of present and future .are you crazy niiiiii ? Yet you couldn't face ordinary Python that wanted to dance for you through Bubu directive .you are crazy for unable to lay ambush for Buhari pythons.pls don't tell me nonsense .

You mean the operation python dance where Soldiers took guns and tanks to go and fight unarmed people?

Other countries are deploying their Soldiers to save them from armed groups like Boko Haram, killer herdsmen and Niger Delta Militant cultists

But your own country is deploying Soldiers to go and fight unarmed people waving Biafran flags on the streets. What a disgrace

Dedetwo:
The above story is pelted with inaccurate statements.

or rather outright lies

Odkosh:
By sending their armies to the battlefield Abi. Just like the ones we do see online from France, Belgium, south Africaon the battlefield with biafran armies. Only sore loser thinks like you.

None of the listed countries supported Biafra however there are soldiers of fortune who fought on the Biafran sides. They included a soldier from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Wales

blasted12:
or rather outright lies

unfortunately, people such as you tend to reduce forum debates into tribal brawls.

Malawian:
LESSON TO LEARN: SAY NO TO ANY FORM OF DISCRIMINATION.

I have always wondered what the grouse of the Biafrans who sabotaged the republic might have been. For the likes of Isaac Boro, Saro Wiwa, Ike Nwachukwu, and co who fought with the enemy I understood, but for Biafrans especially the Igbos who were supposedly on the side of the Biafra to have betrayed their kith and kin have always had me baffled. That is not until recently when I discovered the fact no one has been brave enough to say. I knew it was not just money. I had decided to search for the truth and pay dirt!

To many, Biafra saboteurs were the likes of Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Phillip Alale and co. That is just a bunch of disgruntled military officers and civilians who did not like the way Ojukwu was carrying on with his role as the Head of State of the Biafra Republic. Only a few realized that the saboteurs were everywhere: in the rank and file of the Biafran military, intelligence, police research and production, administrative etc.

Whenever the phrase Biafran saboteurs are mentioned, many peoples’ mind usually go to Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Phillip Alale, Victor Banjo, Sam Agbam, and co. Whereas Ifejuna, a renowned coup plotter and other soldiers who were not happy with Ojukwu’s style of leadership caught a deal with Gowon and plotted to overthrow his government, a more vicious, dangerous but hidden set of saboteurs who undermined the Biafra project from the beginning were the Osus. (out casts)

Eyes turning? Yes the Osus in Igboland made sure Biafra never came. Why? The Osus felt they would be maltreated in Biafra Republic and were more comfortable in Nigeria than in Biafra. They were scared of becoming the second citizens of the new Biafra. This was revealed by a Biafran veteran, Major Ignatius Ebbe who fought under Col Timothy Onwuatuegwu, in his book “Broken back Axle: Unspeakable events in Biafra” The sabotage began even before Nigerian government launched attack on Biafra through its so called “Police Action”. Trouble started during the second Consultative Assembly, Ojukwu had called, made up of elder statesmen, chiefs, business and political leaders ‘from the then Eastern Region of Nigeria which was under the governance of Ojukwu.

The Assembly was called to sound out the opinion of the people and fashion out way the region could forge ahead under the situation of the moment. According to Major Ebbe, Ojukwu had announced in the session that in preparation for the declaration of the Biafra Republic, he was appointing a particular lawyer from Nnewi to represent the interest of Biafra in the United States, and that he was going to give him Six Million pounds (£6,000,00o) to purchase weapons and equipment to defend the republic. No one in the Assembly objected, after all it was Ojukwu’s father’s money that was being spent. However, trouble started during the recess following the announcement. Many would be surprised that an innocuous and unguarded comment caused Biafrans the republic. Ojukwu was having a light conversation with two individuals during the recess, when another individual joined them and questioned Ojukwu’s wisdom to make such an appointment he had just announced.

“In his words [paraphrased], “Nwanna udi okwa inyelu di anyi bu okwa ana enye nwafor“. Implying that Ojukwu should not have given the Nnewi lawyer such a post, he had announced, as such appointments should be reserved for freeborn and not Osus.

There was silence as soon as the words were spoken. You could hear the pen drop. Neither Ojukwu nor the others responded. That was when the speaker realized his blunder. The other two individuals conversing with Ojukwu were also Osu. Their hearts were torn, by such a comment emanating from a so called Nwanna. Perhaps Ojukwu felt that by keeping quiet and not responding, the whole thing would die away, after all he knew the lawyer, who was from his town was an Osu, before appointing him and did not rescind his decision to appoint the man into such a position, even after the incident. That however turned out to be a mistake. Maybe had he reprimanded the individual who made the silly comment there and then, the two Osus may have been appeased? But he didn’t.

The individuals went back after the recess and continued with the Assembly. After which everyone left not knowing what had transpired between Ojukwu and the rest. The two Osus, who had been with Ojukwu, went back to tell the lawyer who has been appointed by Ojukwu on the mission, of what transpired. He understandably became infuriated saying that what it implies was that, when Biafra comes they would be treated like second class citizens. He thereby instructed the others that their mission would be to sabotage the emergence of the republic. He was quoted as saying, “Biafra would be declared, but we will make sure there would be no Biafra.” Biafra would be declared, but it would not be actualized. They however forgot to put into consideration that the opinion was that of a single individual not a consensus among the so called freeborns and took things really far. Through their powerful network, every other Osu in Igboland was informed and told to sabotage the effort.

They subsequently made contact with the Nigerian government and making them aware of their disposition. As these were going on, every other Biafran was simply unaware of the happenings. Few days after, the lawyer left Biafra for United States, via Cameroon and France. Ojukwu transferred the £6million pounds to an account he had already opened for the purpose. Weeks later, the expected weapons never came and the money disappeared. That was when it downed on the people that Barr C.C. Mojekwu had diverted the whooping £6million pounds meant for Biafra defense for his private use. Many never knew what caused it; they felt he was just greedy. That was the first act of sabotage. Instead of buying weapons, he went ahead to buy a mansion in Chicago were he settled and from there was coordinating the rest of the saboteurs in Biafra. As expected there were Osus everywhere in the land.

They were therefore in the Biafran Army high command, cabinet, Defence Operations, Armoury, Biafran military intelligence, militia, civilians, administrators etc. From the onset of the war, the Biafra was fighting two wars. Fighting internal enemy who they couldn’t see, and external aggressors. On several occasions, Biafran army units, companies and battalions were unknowingly set against each by the Osus in the Army headquarters etc. The second prominent act of sabotage which was gloomily announced by Ojukwu was during the first week of the war. Ojukwu had wanted to decimate Nigeria army and put fear in them so they would withdraw from their Police Action. The setting was in Gakem Ogoja. Biafran army command had got wind that Nigeria army was coming to attack the area to penetrate into Biafran. The Biafran scientists in Research and Production (RAP), had invented a deadly land mine.

The mines were laid at Gakem in a 4 square mile killing zone, waiting for the Nigerian forces. Everything was set for the decimation. As the Nigeria forces started invading, Biafran forces, who were not much, tactically withdrew to lure them into the killing zone. When the Nigerian forces got into the zone, the army engineers tried to detonate the mines but nothing happened. Unknown to them one of the saboteurs had replaced the fuse with a fake and nonfunctioning one. The engineer unaware of this tried all he could and the mines refused to detonate, as Nigerian forces approached. He ran back to where the spare fuses were kept. They have all disappeared. The saboteur also took those aware. The plot which would have been deadlier than the Abagana massacre, which shook Murtala Mohammed out of the war failed and Nigeria forces entered Biafra land. Devastated Ojukwu came out to announce this act of sabotage to Biafrans.

Another prominent act of sabotage that led to the fall of Biafra was the Opi junction withdrawal. Biafran soldiers stationed at Opi Junction to gaurd against the invasion of Nsukka and Enugu unceremoniously withdrew from their positions even without being attacked by the enemy. Three days after the withdrawal, Nigeria forces marched into Nsukka unchallenged. From there, they marched on to Enugu. Even before Enugu fail, Biafran saboteurs masquerading as Nigerian forces were shelling the town to scare people away from Enugu. Mortar shells and bullet cases recovered in various parts of Enugu confirmed them to be of Biafran make and not Nigeria. This is an opener for everyone.

God created everyone as equal and no one should be treated as an outcast or a second class citizens. I am sure the Osus who sabotaged the Biafran cause would be regretting their actions. We have all suffered together ever since. Boko Haram does not know who is Osu and who is not. We are one and the same special creations of God. Everyone no matter how little has a role to play and could frustrate other people’s efforts if neglected or rejected. They deed has been done, but we must all learn from our mistakes and forge ahead with love. Say no to discrimination of whatever kind!.


From Opera News Hub

Interesting

OP- The Abagana ambush was significant but the one i rate as a bigger victory was the total massacre of 6000+ of Murtala's soldiers at Onitsha waterside.

After they finished their genocide at Asaba they crossed by boat (Achuzia blew the original Niger Bridge) into Onitsha to hopefully continue their raping and killing of Igbo civilians. They started looting and set fire to Onitsha Main Market. The Biafran army counter-attacked and wiped them out. Murtala whose babalawo had told him that he would take Onitsha kept on sending men across but none of them survived. He lost so many soldiers that he was forced to give up trying to take Onitsha directly and came through Igala territory in the north.

I rate this battle because all the men who committed the Asaba genocide were disgraced and killed at Onitsha like chickens. Murtala and Taiwo as we know were killed by Dimka and his boys in 1976

Odkosh:
[s][/s]Osu lunatic, Show us the British armies in the battlefield like the ones below instead of writing epistle that belongs to teach can.

Afonja re.tard... Oponu radarada you really are a special breed of stupid aren't you? it's a documented fact that 90% of arm procurements made by the Nigerian side during the war came from Britain, I mean even a 10 year old kid with a decent sense of history knows this facts. You posted pictures of the few mercenaries that fought on the Biafran side (which still validated my earlier facts that some few mercenaries did fight for Biafra), aside from half-hearted military support from France, no major military support was given to Biafra... few mercenaries fighting for money doesn't mean Biafrans got significant military support you thick skulled pig. I NEVER said a British army fought for Nigeria you incontinent slowpoke with a pea-sized IQ, I clearly stated that the British and Soviets SUPPLIED the Nigerian side with sophisticated military armaments, logistics and other supplies to prosecute the war. Why I'm I even wasting my time with these dullard?

Dedetwo:
None of the listed countries supported Biafra however there are soldiers of fortune who fought on the Biafran sides. They included a soldier from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Wales

But thought you fought the fight alone.

IamAtikulate:
Benue alone has about 500,000 war widows. Imagine the number of those that died without a wife.

how did u know that?, I need link.

gidgiddy:
You mean the operation python dance where Soldiers took guns and tanks to go and fight unarmed people?

Other countries are deploying their Soldiers to save them from armed groups like Boko Haram, killer herdsmen and Niger Delta Militant cultists

But your own country is deploying Soldiers to go and fight unarmed people waving Biafran flags on the streets. What a disgrace

why unarmed Lay ambush as your old generation good in launch a successful ambush

Malawian:
LESSON TO LEARN: SAY NO TO ANY FORM OF DISCRIMINATION.

I have always wondered what the grouse of the Biafrans who sabotaged the republic might have been. For the likes of Isaac Boro, Saro Wiwa, Ike Nwachukwu, and co who fought with the enemy I understood, but for Biafrans especially the Igbos who were supposedly on the side of the Biafra to have betrayed their kith and kin have always had me baffled. That is not until recently when I discovered the fact no one has been brave enough to say. I knew it was not just money. I had decided to search for the truth and pay dirt!

To many, Biafra saboteurs were the likes of Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Phillip Alale and co. That is just a bunch of disgruntled military officers and civilians who did not like the way Ojukwu was carrying on with his role as the Head of State of the Biafra Republic. Only a few realized that the saboteurs were everywhere: in the rank and file of the Biafran military, intelligence, police research and production, administrative etc.

Whenever the phrase Biafran saboteurs are mentioned, many peoples’ mind usually go to Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Phillip Alale, Victor Banjo, Sam Agbam, and co. Whereas Ifejuna, a renowned coup plotter and other soldiers who were not happy with Ojukwu’s style of leadership caught a deal with Gowon and plotted to overthrow his government, a more vicious, dangerous but hidden set of saboteurs who undermined the Biafra project from the beginning were the Osus. (out casts)

Eyes turning? Yes the Osus in Igboland made sure Biafra never came. Why? The Osus felt they would be maltreated in Biafra Republic and were more comfortable in Nigeria than in Biafra. They were scared of becoming the second citizens of the new Biafra. This was revealed by a Biafran veteran, Major Ignatius Ebbe who fought under Col Timothy Onwuatuegwu, in his book “Broken back Axle: Unspeakable events in Biafra” The sabotage began even before Nigerian government launched attack on Biafra through its so called “Police Action”. Trouble started during the second Consultative Assembly, Ojukwu had called, made up of elder statesmen, chiefs, business and political leaders ‘from the then Eastern Region of Nigeria which was under the governance of Ojukwu.

The Assembly was called to sound out the opinion of the people and fashion out way the region could forge ahead under the situation of the moment. According to Major Ebbe, Ojukwu had announced in the session that in preparation for the declaration of the Biafra Republic, he was appointing a particular lawyer from Nnewi to represent the interest of Biafra in the United States, and that he was going to give him Six Million pounds (£6,000,00o) to purchase weapons and equipment to defend the republic. No one in the Assembly objected, after all it was Ojukwu’s father’s money that was being spent. However, trouble started during the recess following the announcement. Many would be surprised that an innocuous and unguarded comment caused Biafrans the republic. Ojukwu was having a light conversation with two individuals during the recess, when another individual joined them and questioned Ojukwu’s wisdom to make such an appointment he had just announced.

“In his words [paraphrased], “Nwanna udi okwa inyelu di anyi bu okwa ana enye nwafor“. Implying that Ojukwu should not have given the Nnewi lawyer such a post, he had announced, as such appointments should be reserved for freeborn and not Osus.

There was silence as soon as the words were spoken. You could hear the pen drop. Neither Ojukwu nor the others responded. That was when the speaker realized his blunder. The other two individuals conversing with Ojukwu were also Osu. Their hearts were torn, by such a comment emanating from a so called Nwanna. Perhaps Ojukwu felt that by keeping quiet and not responding, the whole thing would die away, after all he knew the lawyer, who was from his town was an Osu, before appointing him and did not rescind his decision to appoint the man into such a position, even after the incident. That however turned out to be a mistake. Maybe had he reprimanded the individual who made the silly comment there and then, the two Osus may have been appeased? But he didn’t.

The individuals went back after the recess and continued with the Assembly. After which everyone left not knowing what had transpired between Ojukwu and the rest. The two Osus, who had been with Ojukwu, went back to tell the lawyer who has been appointed by Ojukwu on the mission, of what transpired. He understandably became infuriated saying that what it implies was that, when Biafra comes they would be treated like second class citizens. He thereby instructed the others that their mission would be to sabotage the emergence of the republic. He was quoted as saying, “Biafra would be declared, but we will make sure there would be no Biafra.” Biafra would be declared, but it would not be actualized. They however forgot to put into consideration that the opinion was that of a single individual not a consensus among the so called freeborns and took things really far. Through their powerful network, every other Osu in Igboland was informed and told to sabotage the effort.

They subsequently made contact with the Nigerian government and making them aware of their disposition. As these were going on, every other Biafran was simply unaware of the happenings. Few days after, the lawyer left Biafra for United States, via Cameroon and France. Ojukwu transferred the £6million pounds to an account he had already opened for the purpose. Weeks later, the expected weapons never came and the money disappeared. That was when it downed on the people that Barr C.C. Mojekwu had diverted the whooping £6million pounds meant for Biafra defense for his private use. Many never knew what caused it; they felt he was just greedy. That was the first act of sabotage. Instead of buying weapons, he went ahead to buy a mansion in Chicago were he settled and from there was coordinating the rest of the saboteurs in Biafra. As expected there were Osus everywhere in the land.

They were therefore in the Biafran Army high command, cabinet, Defence Operations, Armoury, Biafran military intelligence, militia, civilians, administrators etc. From the onset of the war, the Biafra was fighting two wars. Fighting internal enemy who they couldn’t see, and external aggressors. On several occasions, Biafran army units, companies and battalions were unknowingly set against each by the Osus in the Army headquarters etc. The second prominent act of sabotage which was gloomily announced by Ojukwu was during the first week of the war. Ojukwu had wanted to decimate Nigeria army and put fear in them so they would withdraw from their Police Action. The setting was in Gakem Ogoja. Biafran army command had got wind that Nigeria army was coming to attack the area to penetrate into Biafran. The Biafran scientists in Research and Production (RAP), had invented a deadly land mine.

The mines were laid at Gakem in a 4 square mile killing zone, waiting for the Nigerian forces. Everything was set for the decimation. As the Nigeria forces started invading, Biafran forces, who were not much, tactically withdrew to lure them into the killing zone. When the Nigerian forces got into the zone, the army engineers tried to detonate the mines but nothing happened. Unknown to them one of the saboteurs had replaced the fuse with a fake and nonfunctioning one. The engineer unaware of this tried all he could and the mines refused to detonate, as Nigerian forces approached. He ran back to where the spare fuses were kept. They have all disappeared. The saboteur also took those aware. The plot which would have been deadlier than the Abagana massacre, which shook Murtala Mohammed out of the war failed and Nigeria forces entered Biafra land. Devastated Ojukwu came out to announce this act of sabotage to Biafrans.

Another prominent act of sabotage that led to the fall of Biafra was the Opi junction withdrawal. Biafran soldiers stationed at Opi Junction to gaurd against the invasion of Nsukka and Enugu unceremoniously withdrew from their positions even without being attacked by the enemy. Three days after the withdrawal, Nigeria forces marched into Nsukka unchallenged. From there, they marched on to Enugu. Even before Enugu fail, Biafran saboteurs masquerading as Nigerian forces were shelling the town to scare people away from Enugu. Mortar shells and bullet cases recovered in various parts of Enugu confirmed them to be of Biafran make and not Nigeria. This is an opener for everyone.

God created everyone as equal and no one should be treated as an outcast or a second class citizens. I am sure the Osus who sabotaged the Biafran cause would be regretting their actions. We have all suffered together ever since. Boko Haram does not know who is Osu and who is not. We are one and the same special creations of God. Everyone no matter how little has a role to play and could frustrate other people’s efforts if neglected or rejected. They deed has been done, but we must all learn from our mistakes and forge ahead with love. Say no to discrimination of whatever kind!.


From Opera News Hub

I knew the chap. He was never a Major but Captain who commanded 79 Battalion, 67 Brigade, S Division. In fact, he was a replacement commander who took over 79 battalion after the CO was killed in Amaulu, Mbieri. He commanded the battalion all the way to Ubima and Apani until the war ended.

[s]

BoboNkiti19:
Afonja re.tard... Oponu radarada you really are a special breed of stupid aren't you? it's a documented fact that 90% of arm procurements made by the Nigerian side during the war came from Britain, I mean even a 10 year old kid with a decent sense of history knows this facts. You posted pictures of the few mercenaries that fought on the Biafran side (which still validated my earlier facts that some few mercenaries did fight for Biafra). I NEVER said a British army fought for Nigeria you incontinent slowpoke with a pea-sized IQ, I clearly stated that the British and Soviets SUPPLIED the Nigerian side with sophisticated military armaments, logistics and other supplies to prosecute the war. Why I'm I even wasting my time with these dullard?

[/s]Trash as usual from a lunatic fool. He's has been connered . Ode Oponu omo dindinrin. Idiotic illiterate like you.

I don't expect anything less from usual ranting without fact. That is how a sore loser does. A child that fail will look for many excuses to back his failure. That what you dunderhead is doing so I am not surprised.

Olodo

Odkosh:
But thought you fought the fight alone.

In terms of support, Biafra fought the war alone. USSR, Germany and UK almost sunk Apapa Wharf with war materials. Egyptian made sure that Migs were supplied and flown since little or no Nigerian air force officers can fly the fighters after the Igbo pilots left.

Odkosh:
But thought you fought the fight alone.

Guy are you naturally this daft? cause the way you reason really worries me...

In my book, the most significant battle won by the Biafrans was the recapture of Owerri in 1969. It was epic.

adekolaelect:
why unarmed Lay ambush as your old generation good in launch a successful ambush

So tye Nigerian Army are only good at fighting unarmed people? No wonder they cannot win any war without international support

Odkosh:
[s][/s]Trash as usual from a lunatic fool. He's has been connered . Ode Oponu omo dindinrin. Idiotic illiterate like you.

I don't expect anything less from usual ranting without fact. That is how a sore loser does. A child that fail will look for many excuses to back his failure. That what you dunderhead is doing so I am not surprised.

Olodo

Ok I officially give up on you, truly you're conspicuously not the intelligent type, what have you posted now that is different what I've been trying to drum into your thick skull? I said France gave Biafrans some form of military support quite alright, but it was belated and was nothing COMPARED to what Nigeria got from Britain and Russia (they even flew your Mig fighter jets for you) anyways accept my unreserved sympathies for how slow-witted you are, na me dey even waste my time sef

BoboNkiti19:
Afonja re.tard... Oponu radarada you really are a special breed of stupid aren't you? it's a documented fact that 90% of arm procurements made by the Nigerian side during the war came from Britain, I mean even a 10 year old kid with a decent sense of history knows this facts. You posted pictures of the few mercenaries that fought on the Biafran side (which still validated my earlier facts that some few mercenaries did fight for Biafra), aside from half-hearted military support from France, no major military support was given to Biafra... few mercenaries fighting for money doesn't mean Biafrans got significant military support you thick skulled pig. I NEVER said a British army fought for Nigeria you incontinent slowpoke with a pea-sized IQ, I clearly stated that the British and Soviets SUPPLIED the Nigerian side with sophisticated military armaments, logistics and other supplies to prosecute the war. Why I'm I even wasting my time with these dullard?

why do you take a lost battles personally as if you were among those who beg Awolowo for food during your lost war ? Take it easy now !!!!! Even Ojowku ran away when he felt heated.....

Dedetwo:
I knew the chap. He was never a Major but Captain who commanded 79 Battalion, 67 Brigade, S Division. In fact, he was a replaced commander who took over 79 battalion after the Co was killed in Amaulu, Mbieri. He commanded the battalion all the way to Ubima and Apani until the war ended.

Captain Ignatius Ebbe of the Biafran Army?

Dedetwo:
In terms of support, Biafra fought the war alone. USSR, Germany and UK almost sunk Apapa Wharf with war materials. Egyptian made sure that Migs were supplied and flown since little or no Nigerian air force officers can fly the fighters after the Igbo pilots left.

Odogwu abeg stop wasting your time and bandwidth on that guy, trying to educate the dunce is as impracticable as teaching calculus to a goat... waste of time.

adekolaelect:
why do take a lost battles personally as if you were among those beg Awolowo for food during your lost war ? Take it easy now !!!!! Even Ojowku ran away when he felt heated.....

SMH OK...