Asaba Memorial Project

Places within Asaba

Asaba Capital Territory
This was an area app. 50m-wide area during colonial times.

Cable Point
Cable Point is a neighborhood Asaba and the scene of mass killings by Federal troops during the civil war.

Inland Town
Inland town is an ancient central neighborhood of Asaba.

Niger Bridge
Niger Bridge was the scene of fighting during the civil war and was blown up by the retreating Biafrans in order to keep Federal troops from advancing across the River Niger to the Biafran capital of Asaba of Onitsha.

St. Patrick’s College
This is a secondary school in Asaba and the scene of mass killings during the civil war.

Regions Before May 27, 1967

Eastern

Federal Capital Territory of Lagos

Midwest

Northern

Western

States After May 27, 1967

Benue-Plateau

East-Central

Kano

Lagos

Mid-Western

North-Central

North-Eastern

North-Western

Rivers

South-Eastern

West-Central

Western

 

Cities

Asaba

Scene of 1967 massacres and now capital of Delta State, Asaba’s strategic location opposite of the Biafran capital of Onitsha across the River Niger made it a prime target for the Nigerian Army.  The predominately Igbo population was the target of a massacre that left at least hundreds dead during October of 1967.  Asaba comprises five quarters or "Ebos" namely Umuezei, Umuagu, Ugbomanta, Umuaji and Umuonaje. Within these Ebos are several sub- units or familiar villages.

Benin

This city was the capital of the former Mid-West State, capital of the short-lived Republic of Benin created by the Biafrans, and now capital of Edo State.  Benin is the center of Nigeria’s rubber industry and is known for its institutions of higher learning.

Ibadan

Ibadan was the administrative center of the former Western State and is now the third largest city in Nigeria and the capital of Oyo State.

 Ishiagu

This is a town near Asaba and is alleged to have mass graves dating from the civil war.

Jos

Capital of Benue Plateau State, later Plateau State, Jos is a major center of trade and is the location of large tin deposits.

 Kaduna

Kaduna is the capital of Kaduna State in north-central Nigeria and is a major trading and transport hub.  The city experienced Christian/Muslim rioting during February 2000 that left over 1,000 people dead.

Kano

Kano is a major city and capital of Kano State in northern Nigeria.  It serves as a major trading hub and was the administrative center of northern Nigeria under British rule.

Lagos

Lagos was the capital of Nigeria at time of the Asaba massacre and is the most populous city in the country.

Ogbeosowa

Located in the greater Asaba environs, about ten minute’s walk from author Emma Okocha’s house.  He names it as the biggest killing field during the 10/07/67 massacre.

Ogwashi-Uku

This town, just west Asaba, was first captured by the Biafran army early in the civil war and was then recaptured by Nigerian forces en route to Asaba.

Onitsha

Onitsha was the capital of the Republic of Biafra and is located on the eastern bank of the River Niger opposite of Asaba.

Opanam

Opanam is nine miles north of Asaba and was home to Major Patrick Nzeogwu, leader of the January 1966 coup.

Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt is the center of Nigeria’s oil industry and is the capital of Rivers State.

Sapele

This is a major port city currently in Delta State and was Biafran warfront location.

Sokoto

Sokoto was the capital of the former Northwestern State and is now the capital of Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria.         

Ughelli

Ughelli is currently in Delta State and was a Biafran warfront location.

Warri

Warri was in the former Midwestern State and is now in Delta State.  Biafran forces captured it during Nigeria’s civil war.  Warri is a major oil city and is known for its unique Pidgin English.

 

Compiled by James Scholz 2009/2010.