Nigeria Civil War

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Hello, my smart and curious learner! I hope you’re having a great day. Have you ever heard about a time when Nigeria was divided, and people were fighting? That was the Nigeria Civil War, one of the most difficult times in our country’s history. Today, we will learn what caused the war, what happened during the war, and how Nigeria became united again. Let’s begin!

Nigeria Civil War

Imagine if your school had a big fight, and different groups of students refused to talk to each other. There would be chaos, right? This is what happened in Nigeria between 1967 and 1970 when a serious war broke out between Nigeria and the region of Biafra. It was a sad time, and many lives were lost, but in the end, Nigeria remained one country. Let’s understand how it all happened.

What Was the Nigeria Civil War?
The Nigeria Civil War, also called the Biafran War, was a fight between the Nigerian government and the southeastern region of Nigeria, which wanted to form a new country called Biafra. The war lasted from 6th July 1967 to 15th January 1970.

Causes of the Nigeria Civil War
The war happened because of disagreements and conflicts among different ethnic groups in Nigeria. Some of the major causes were:

1. Political and ethnic tension – After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, there was competition for power among different regions (North, East, and West).
2. The 1966 military coups – There were two coups in 1966, where some leaders were killed, creating more division.
3. Mass killings of Igbos in the North – Many Igbos living in the Northern region were attacked, and this made the Eastern region feel unsafe.
4. The declaration of Biafra – In May 1967, the military governor of the Eastern region, Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared that the East would break away from Nigeria and form a new country called Biafra. The Nigerian government, led by General Yakubu Gowon, did not accept this, and that led to war.

What Happened During the War?

• The war started on 6th July 1967 when the Nigerian government sent soldiers to bring Biafra back into Nigeria.
• The Biafran soldiers fought hard, and at first, they won some battles.
• However, the Nigerian army was stronger and had more weapons.
• Many people, especially in the East, suffered hunger and sickness because food and medicine were not allowed into Biafra.
• The war ended on 15th January 1970, when Biafra surrendered, and Nigeria became one again.

Effects of the Civil War

1. Many people died – Over one million people lost their lives, mostly because of hunger.
2. Houses and properties were destroyed – Many people lost their homes and businesses.
3. Families were separated – Some people had to flee to other countries for safety.
4. Nigeria remained one country – Even though the war was painful, Nigeria did not break apart.
5. The government worked to reunite the country – After the war, General Yakubu Gowon introduced the policy of “No victor, no vanquished”, meaning no one was declared a loser so that peace could return.

Imagine if your friends got into a big fight and stopped talking to each other. If no one tries to make peace, the friendship will be lost forever. But if someone steps in to settle the fight, you can all become friends again. That’s what happened after the Nigeria Civil War—leaders worked hard to bring peace back so that the country could move forward.

Conclusion
The Nigeria Civil War happened between 1967 and 1970 when the Eastern region, led by Colonel Ojukwu, tried to break away from Nigeria and form Biafra. The war caused great suffering, but in the end, Nigeria remained united. After the war, the government worked hard to bring peace and unity to the country.

Evaluation

1. What was another name for the Nigeria Civil War?
2. Who was the leader of Biafra during the war?
3. What year did the Nigeria Civil War start and end?
4. Name two causes of the Nigeria Civil War.
5. What was the government’s policy after the war to bring peace?

Well done, my smart learner! Now you understand the Nigeria Civil War and how our country remained united. Always remember, peace is important in our communities, schools, and homes. Keep learning and believing in yourself! See you in the next lesson with Afrilearn!

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