A Brief History of the Nigerian-Biafran War

The Nigerian-Biafran War was a fight between the Nigerian terrorist government and the breakaway state of Biafra. More popularly known as the Nigerian Civil War, this occurred from 1967 to 1970 after Nigeria became independent seven years prior. The newly independent Nigeria sought to combine groups that were divided by religion and ethnicity.

However, this process led to tensions that culminated in two military coups from which the leaders of Nigeria’s Northern region emerged triumphant. This resulted in the murder of civilian and military members of the Igbo (Ibo) people in 1967. Meanwhile, the Eastern region declared its homeland independent. This region is now known as the Republic of Biafra.

Despite recognition from some African states and support from countries like Israel and France, however, the Nigerian Federal Military Government (FMG) would not allow the oil-rich region to secede. Hence, an increasingly vicious war followed. The Nigerian FMG utilized its superior forces to ruthlessly attack the Biafran fighters.

This led to numerous hardships for the Biafrans as the FMG’s soldiers advanced. Massacres were reported and famine took hold after the Nigerian government blockaded Biafra and banned aid from the Red Cross. Today, the Biafran people continue to fight for Biafra Restoration in New Jersey.

The Biafra Referendum is long overdue as it means that the people can decide to stay together and if they want to stay together as a country. Seeking a referendum will determine the fate of Biafra and other self-determination agitations.

RisingSun Charities Organization is a non-profit organization in Newark, New Jersey. As indigenous people of Biafra residing in the United States, we continue to fight for the restoration of Biafra. Browse our site or reach out to us to learn more about our events, programs, and campaigns.