BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
The trauma of the Nigerian Civil War can be addressed through deliberate cooperation between civilians and the military, aimed at fostering peace and enhancing socio-economic development.
This was highlighted by the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, during a visit from officers of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center, as well as the Nigerian Army War College, led by Major General John Sokoya, in Asaba. Dr. Emu emphasized the importance of the Army’s research on the 1967 Nigerian Civil War and urged the team to explore ways to heal the painful memories experienced by the people of Asaba.
He assured the military delegation that the people of Asaba would cooperate by providing oral history and access to historical monuments that reflect the impact of the civil war on their community.
Emu also encouraged the research team to visit the Asagba-in-Council for deeper insights and facts to support their study. Additionally, Dr. Emu advised that any proposed acquisition of historical sites should be transparent and beneficial to all parties involved.
Responding, Maj-Gen John Sokoya, the leader of the Army research team, explained that their visit was to study the impact of the civil war on Asaba and explore how to preserve the historical sites and heritage centres associated with the war. He noted that preserving these sites would help convey the story of the civil war to future generations.
