₦airaland Forum

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.


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

But I thought Igbos said Nigeria Army committed Genocide by killing over three million Biafrans while Biafran Soldiers did not kill a single Nigerian Soldier. How come, Igbos are now saying they killed some Nigerian Soldiers?

These people are confused.

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

And what is tribal about my post?

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

You wrote a book? What's the name?

gidgiddy:
Captain Ignatius Ebbe of the Biafran Army?

That's him, I'm reading his book right now on Amazon and it's very captivating.

gidgiddy:
Captain Ignatius Ebbe of the Biafran Army?

Yes, he was a very good commander and a soldier too. He was a course mate of my uncle who once commanded the sister battalion, 74 (tigers).

BoboNkiti19:
That's him, I'm reading his book right now on Amazon and it's very captivating.

Did he say in book how Onwuatuegwu died? Its still a mystery

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

Hummmm you may right but Biafra lost then,ojuwku ran away !!! Sorry KANU too ate uncooked beans and ran away upon all his claimed Biafra battalions securities outfits

blasted12:
And what is tribal about my post?

"Rather outright lies" was your response to a post. Please can you point out which of the statement in the post is outright lie?

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

Another reason why I as a Cross Riverian cannot support anything like Biafra in the first place.

What the OSU's feared would have been like a child's play compared to what ethnic minorities like us would face.

gidgiddy:
Did he say in book how Onwuatuegwu died? Its still a mystery

Haven't gotten to that part yet

goodnessme1:
Why didn't Oyo yorubas use the same strategist you suggested.

I no know, I no dey there.... Dem Neva born me that time na

Eteka1:
Another reason why I as a Cross Riverian cannot support anything like Biafra in the first place.

What the OSU's feared would have been like a child's play compared to what ethnic minorities like us would face.

It was mostly the Efik who did not support Biafra. I guess the unfortunate thing that happened to the Bakassi people will teach you a lesson.

Dedetwo:
It was mostly the Efik who did not support Biafra. I guess the unfortunate thing that happened to the Bakassi people will teach you a lesson.

What lesson? Bakassi ceeding or not, we cannot ever subscribe to anything like Biafra where we would become slaves in our own land. We are better off in Naija.

Eteka1:
What lesson? Bakassi ceeding or not, we cannot ever subscribe to anything like Biafra where we would become slaves in our own land. We are better off in Naija.

Who gives a ratass if Efik is better off in Naija or not? I am strictly for the Republic of Igbo land. As a well vested person, I do not want compatriots who are walking- dead.

Dedetwo:
Who gives a ratass if Efik is better off in Naija or not? I am strictly for the Republic of Igbo land. As a well vested person, I do not want compatriots who are walking- dead.

Good, limit that doomed idea to Igbo.

Eteka1:
Better, limit it to Igbo.

Why should Republic of Igbo land need stiffs? It is a pity certain goons in Nigeria tend to arrogate err of importance to their silly selves. Some jackasses are expendables. There must be mighty Republic of Igbo land. The powerhouse of Africa.

Dedetwo:
Why should Republic of Igbo land need stiffs? It is a pity certain goons in Nigeria tend to arrogate err of importance to their silly selves. Some jackasses are expendables. There must be mighty Republic of Igbo land. The powerhouse of Africa.

Igbos are full of hate for others. God forbid.

Eteka1:
Igbos are full of hate for others. God forbid.

Above is a stream of thought educated by delusion. If Ndigbo say Biafra (defunct Eastern region of Nigeria and Ndigbo)), some stiffs such as you will say it is a boat of domination. Due to unfounded calls of domination by deluded and brainwashed folks such as you, Ndigbo opted for Republic of Igbo land, yet you say Igbo is full of hate. There is one certainty, Igbo have come to stay, grow and progress. In addition, Nigeria is a house whose foundation rests on a sand soil which cannot stand a slight wave of adversary wind. You can take this statement to the bank.

sammyj:
After this ambush, who won the war Rather than letting sleeping dogs lay, you come on this platform to brag about one single battle that was eventually lost by the Biafran rebels!!! I advise we look forward and stop this nonsense

Why do people study history in school even duo we knw who won the war the story still need to be told.

Dedetwo:
Above is a stream of thought educated by delusion. If Ndigbo say Biafra (defunct Eastern region of Nigeria and Ndigbo)), some stiffs such as you will say it is a boat of domination. Due to unfounded calls of domination by deluded and brainwashed folks such as you, Ndigbo opted for Republic of Igbo land, yet you say Igbo is full of hate. There is one certainty, Igbo have come stay, grow and progress. In addition, Nigeria is a house whose foundation rests on a sand soil which cannot stand a slight wave of adversary wind. You can take this statement to the bank.

Quite the opposite. You are the deluded stiff. You master Nnamdi Kanu keeps mentioning my State as part of his doomed Biafra project and I am telling you that we are not part of it. Limit it to your Igbo land.

And no matter what evil wishes you have for my Country, it will never work. Nigeria will continue to grow from strength to strength.

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.

I dont think you have any idea on how the war was fought. That's the reason why thy need to re introduce history back in school, so people like you will knw.

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.

The problem with Yoruba, is the hate they have for Igbo, I have always wanted to knw the root, at what point in time did the Igbo, betrayed the Yorubas, it has always nbeen the north but they tend to hate us why

Of course it had to be an ambush.They could never face the Nigerian army upfront.

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 man that blew their asses up was later promoted to colonel, colonel YANKY DODO (Nick name)but late now.

Eteka1:
Quite the opposite. You are the deluded stiff. You master Nnamdi Kanu keeps mentioning my State as part of his doomed Biafra project and I am telling you that we are not part of it. Limit it to your Igbo land.

Please do not let me regard you as a wasted pipe. Who the hell is Nnamdi Kanu and master? I guess you have been tormented by your figment of imagination. Nnamdi Kanu is doing noble things and he has been appreciated however he is nobody's master. Do you have a state? If you freaking think you have a state, where is Bakassi? Some backwater states should be overrun when a new sheriff arrives in town.

Dedetwo:
Please do not let me regard you as a wasted pipe. Who the hell is Nnamdi Kanu and master? I guess you have been tormented by your figment of imagination. Nnamdi Kanu is doing noble things and he has been appreciated however he is nobody's master. Do you have a state? If you freaking think you have a state, where is Bakassi? Some backwater states should be overrun when a new sheriff arrives in town.

You just spoke trash.

Eteka1:
What lesson? Bakassi ceeding or not, we cannot ever subscribe to anything like Biafra where we would become slaves in our own land. We are better off in Naija.

Are you not deluded?

You are afraid of the Igbos who thrive best in competition.

You love the indulgence applicable in Nigeria which will lead you to nowhere.

What you wish for is being served out to you...

IamAtikulate:
Fake news.

Ogbunigwe decimated 7000 soldiers. One of the commanders in that war is still alive. He is a bishop in one of the biggest churches in Umunya, Anambra.

His son once contested as Governor of Anambra under APGA but couldn't get the ticket.

not a fake new sir,i know the story of blowing that tank before now,the man himself is late now.

Eteka1:
Igbos are full of hate for others. God forbid.

There is no hatred,, dude.

We like calling out simple-minded people and misguided elements...

Put bluntly, we don't like suffering fools gladly...

Dedetwo:
Please do not let me regard you as a wasted pipe. Who the hell is Nnamdi Kanu and master? I guess you have been tormented by your figment of imagination. Nnamdi Kanu is doing noble things and he has been appreciated however he is nobody's master. Do you have a state? If you freaking think you have a state, where is Bakassi? Some backwater states should be overrun when a new sheriff arrives in town.

Backwater that you fought to include in your doomed Biafra project. Backwater that your master Nnamdi Kanu keeps mentioning as part of his delusional quest for Biafra.

You sound like a hate filled child when you talking of a new sheriff overrunning my State so I think I made a mistake even talking to you.

BeLookingIDIOT:
Of course it had to be an ambush.They could never face the Nigerian army upfront.

You have written like novice. Has it lost on you that dumbass Murtala Mohammad, as the commander of 2nd Div. Nigerian army made more than two frontal attempts to capture Onicha but failed woefully which resulted in the death of many Yari.ba soldiers including a Major? The loses were so staggering that two brigade commanders almost ended in fist fight with Murtala Mohammad. Anyway, Murtala Mohammad was an incompetent signal officer.

Eteka1:
Backwater that you fought to include in your doomed Biafra project. Backwater that your master Nnamdi Kanu keeps mentioning as part of his delusional quest for Biafra.

You sound like a child when you talk of overrunning my State as a new sheriff so I think I made a mistake even talking to you.

Did you take elementary social studies? At this stage of your sorry ass life, you should know that Cross River State was part and parcel of defunct eastern region of Nigeria. I guess you are very delusional to think Biafra had to fight a war to include a crap created by Gowon in its fold. Nigeria fought to include Biafra in Nigeria. What a sink.

There is nothing like childish talk in this case of Nigeria. Today is not 1967 where indecisions remained the order of the day. Any spiral of arms in the silly Nigeria will be hell on earth. We must try to avoid it by going our separate ways peacefully.