The Biafra War (Nigerian Civil War), 1967–1970
Here are some key images taken then.

“No Bloodshed!” — Historian Reveals How Gowon’s Final Words During 1975 Coup Showed His True Love for Peace

In a recent interview on the Edmund Obilo Show, historian and author Adebayo Adeolu, who wrote “Sani Abacha: Nigeria’s Most Powerful Defence Minister and Head of State,” revealed a powerful and often-overlooked detail about General Yakubu Gowon’s fall from power in 1975.

Adeolu disclosed that when news of the coup reached Gowon, the then Head of State ordered his aides and security personnel not to resist or spill any blood.

“When Gowon was going to be overthrown, he said, ‘make sure nobody’s killed, we have seen enough of it,’” Adeolu quoted.

According to the historian, Gowon’s reaction reflected his deep weariness with Nigeria’s cycles of violence — particularly after the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), which he had led. Instead of clinging to power, Gowon chose peace over conflict, showing a level of restraint rare among military rulers of his time.

“That single moment showed Gowon’s moral strength and his genuine desire for a peaceful Nigeria,” Adeolu said, describing the act as one of the most humane moments in Nigeria’s military history.


Gowon, who was attending the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Uganda when he was ousted, quietly accepted his removal and later devoted his life to reconciliation and peacebuilding — cementing his reputation as a statesman of grace and humility.

Civil War: Gowon distorted Aburi Accord history, Group claims.

ABUJA – A group, Rising Sun, has accused Nigeria’s former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, of distorting the history behind the failure of the historic Aburi Accord of 1967, which they claim led to the Nigerian Civil War.

The group, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, asserted that Gowon’s recent explanation for the Accord’s breakdown was misleading and an attempt to rewrite history.

The statement, jointly signed by Chief Maxwell Dede, President of Rising Sun, and Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, the group’s Secretary, condemned Gowon’s claim that the Accord failed because General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu demanded that regional governors’ control the military.

Instead, the group argued that the demand for regional control of security forces was a legitimate push for justice and true federalism.

Gowon Reflects On Nigerian Civil War, Says It Was 'Not My Choice'

IPOB Urges South-East Governors to Declare May 30 as Public Holiday to Honor Biafran Heroes

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have called on governors in Nigeria’s South-East region to officially recognize May 30 as a public holiday to commemorate Biafra Day. This date is annually observed by pro-Biafra activists to honor those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War. 

In a statement reported by Daily Post Nigeria, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, urged South-East leaders to emulate their South-West counterparts, who successfully advocated for the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day in honor of MKO Abiola. 

“IPOB seizes this moment of reflection to urge the Governors in Biafra Land, especially the South East and South South Governors, to establish May 30th as a public holiday to commemorate the fallen heroes of Biafra moving forward,” Powerful stated. 

He emphasized that the request to commemorate Biafran heroes and heroines with a public holiday is a fair one, highlighting the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the Biafran cause. 

Until such recognition is granted, IPOB has designated May 30th each year as Biafra Heroes Day, to be commemorated by Biafrans both locally and internationally. 

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