…. What the people say
Sir, I read you piece on the above title in the Daily Sun issue of Wednesday, May 10, 2017, with huge interest because I had joined to dismiss a story by a friend and colleague at work over Igbanke nearly 20 years ago. The friend, late now, had tried to convince us that the name of his town, Igbanke, was changed from the original one in the same manner Obigbo in Rivers State was changed to Oyigbo, but we dismissed it because he added that this town was an Igbo-speaking town. We had no idea of the geographical location of the town in Edo State because we based our conclusion on the fact that Igbos are not known to be direct neighbours to Benin, Auchi or any town in present-day Edo. It is sad that we lost Paul before realising that he said the truth. Please, could you send more information to me on the said story or rather give me a link to direct me appropriately?
– Dr. Theresa Uchechukwu, [email protected]
Understanding our origin and identity in the light of truth is one fundamental way we can truly develop as a people and nation. History will judge us not only for our actions but also for our silence on truth manipulated for selfish ends. Thank you for your article.
– Emma Ndubuisi, 08068195114
Anytime I read your column, I break down in tears. Your ability to describe in detail and your gift in painting the horrendous scenes and episodes of the Anioma Genocide registers the 50 years old event like it happened yesterday. On the cream of the Asaba dead, I remember my principal at Ondo Federal College, M.C. Ebo, the great Asaba educationist. If he were not my Science teacher, the inspiration to fight on and read Medicine after the civil war would have been dimmed. Imagine the loss to Nigeria, to learn that Asaba lost hundreds of professionals, educationists, doctors and lawyers at Ogbeosowa in that fateful October 7, 1967, genocide. Your parents and your brothers died in that catastrophe. But your pen and your life immortalise their painful ascension.
– Dr. Obike Ibegbunam, Professor of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus
Like Auschwitz, like Asaba and like the Jewish people, the Igbo people will never forget the wrong done them and the wickedness/bestiality visited on them on account of an unjust war. Thank you Emma, and may the good Lord continue to keep you.
– 07032515836
Surely a time will come to go into movies that have epic historic backbones that present and future generations will benefit from. Your 50 years serial is a goldmine for epic productions.
– Chief C. Chukwuwetalu, 08034546733
Best Popular Actor award winner, Lagos Emma, I am an Ika Igbo from Agbor and you have said the truth. Please do let me know as the remembrance programme takes off on the Anioma and Asaba genocide.
– Onyeibe Patrick, 08033596428
Good evening, sir, I am the president of Benue Igbo Development Union. I want to commend your effort by making the world know what actually occurred. I’m always devastated each time I hear of the genocide that took place in Igboland during the war. Anything the anniversary is taking place, let me know so that I mobilise my people here.
– Nweke Cedrick Ifeanyi, 07067937085
In the early ’70s, I was a teacher at St. Augustine’s College, Ibusa. I was also the bandmaster. We won in Aniocha and at the finals, before His Excellency, Samuel Ogbemudia, at Ogbe Stadium, the entire Bendel State championship as the best school band. The governor was so impressed, he invited me to see him at the Government Lodge. When I went there, his security detail would not allow me to see His Excellency. I raised my voice in protest and he came out to check who was making trouble in his office. I identified myself and reminded him that he had invited me to see him after we won the match past. Ogbemudia requested I return with my Principal from Ibusa. I returned with a note from my Principal, accompanied by my Vice Principal. Ogbemudia asked me to state my demand. I demanded for a school bus for my school, as other schools in the state had been given buses. Immediately, he gave us a note to the Mid-West Lines. That was how St. Augustine entered the elite cadre of schools in those days that had their own school buses. With that bus, my band and our school football team travelled all over the Mid-West. There were roads all over the place constructed by the unforgettable governor.
I remember in those days when Ibru monopolized the ice-fish industry, it was Igbo Akiri, the special staple gari that the Anioma people used in drinking the palatable smoked Igbo fish. That Akiri gari and its community disappeared after the war.
– Barr. Ezenwosu, Onitsha
Ogbemudia more than anybody else was the giant that restored the dignity of man at UNN after the civil war. He was the governor that sent in wooden seats and tables to the pillaged lecture rooms of the university when the returning students were sitting on blocks and stones to take lectures. Ogbemudia sent in the big HINO bus that moved most of the students staying outside the campus to the study theatre and back to the hostels. The carcass of the HINO bus is parked as a monument inside the Works Department of the university.
– Innocent Nwosu, DAILYTIMES Nigeria
I can testify that Gen. Cyril Iweze, the Igbo officer from Isheagu who fought on the Nigerian side, and whose story we are waiting for to be analysed by you as relating to the Anioma Genocide, married from my community, the Umueri village in Ogbunike. Emma Okocha, Nigeria and the world is waiting for this 50th anniversary and count me and those of us who are thinking alike in. We shall be present and be part of it.
– Engr. Mike Nwabufo, MADOUK Group, Lagos
I read with utter disbelief the atrocities committed by Ogbemudia, I have always known that the Igbanke were actually part of Ika but never knew of their name originally. Thanks for making us know the truth of how their birthright was sold. Meanwhile, I am from Ogwashi-uku
– Chuks Bruno, [email protected]
I love your articles and books because they draw me home and make me proud of my heritage.
– C. Jide Udeozo, Chairman, Priscal Standard Agency, Nnewi, 08037110620
Thanks for the history recap especially on the Ogwashi-Uku Onukwu 7 brothers. My uncle Felix Omuni in Ibadan talks about you and we would like to meet you.
– Akeeb Kareem, 08052212361, Ibadan
I am reading your Article on Asaba Genocide. My heart bleeds, never ever will we forget.
– Mazi Chukandilom Udechukwu. 08037808156