Gowon has distanced himself from the Biafran War killings, saying the bloodshed was a painful duty, not personal choice.
His emotional remarks have reignited nationwide calls for reconciliation and accountability over the tragic losses suffered during the civil war.
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has made a startling revelation, distancing himself from the mass killings that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War, particularly the deaths of Biafrans. In an emotional admission, Gowon said the bloodshed was never his personal decision but a painful consequence of national duty at the time.
Speaking during a recent public appearance, the elder statesman expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of lives during the war that lasted from 1967 to 1970, claiming that he bore the burden of those decisions as part of preserving the country’s unity.
“The killing of Biafrans was never my personal choice,” Gowon reportedly said. “It was a national crisis and decisions had to be made to keep Nigeria together. I carry that pain every day.”
His comments have reignited conversations across the country about reconciliation, justice, and historical accountability, particularly among communities in the South-East who continue to feel the lasting scars of the conflict.
Many Nigerians have reacted with mixed emotions. Some view Gowon’s statement as a long-overdue admission, while others believe it falls short of the full accountability needed to heal decades-old wounds.
Gowon, now in his late 80s, led Nigeria through one of its most turbulent periods. The civil war, often referred to as the Biafran War, claimed an estimated one to three million lives, mostly from the Eastern Region due to fighting, starvation, and disease.
His recent remarks have sparked fresh calls for a national truth and reconciliation process, with citizens urging the Federal Government to engage all regions in open dialogue to foster healing and national unity.
