Mr. Ferdinand Okpala is a 73-year-old Biafran war veteran, from Owerri in Imo State. He spoke to Weekend Trust on his experiences.
What can you remember about the war?
I was living in Nsukka, which is now in Enugu State. I was here when the war broke out. As a Biafran soldier, we fought from Elele, now in Rivers State and part of today’s Imo State like Nguruji, Umu-Agwo, and Obinze. The war started in 1967 and I joined in 1968. I was in the same 28 Battalion with now late Monsignor Ambruse Iweka. He was the monsignor of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese in Ebonyi State of Nigeria.
What were the challenges you faced as a soldier fighting on the side of Biafra?
One of the challenges I faced and still facing is the bullet wound I sustained on my left leg. I am still nursing the wound. It affected one of my legs, which is why I am limping. I served as a Captain during the war and on one particular occasion as I was leading my team, a bullet struck my leg. During the war, anyone captured as a Biafra soldier, was taken to the hideout of Biafra soldiers and those found with the army badge, were slaughtered.
Are you in support of the separation calls by the Igbos?
Yes. When you fought a war, at least, after 50 years, they should be given freedom. Igbos fought for their freedom and the reason they engaged in the war has not be resolved. And they have refused to grant us freedom. Those who took part in the war faced a lot of challenges. And till date, there’s still no peace in Igbo land.
Those engineering crisis are the politicians. The politicians in the South-east do not want peace in the home of the agitators because they feel threatened. They are afraid and that if Biafra is given, they will lose their place of power. Consequently, they continue to cause disaffection among believers in the Biafra principles.
- A veteran of the war, who was with the 63 NA, and served with the 3 Marine Commando, retired Warrant Officer Monday Ranse said war is not something anyone should pray for.
- Pa Hyacinth Irom is a civil war veteran from Issieke community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The 71- year-old man is also a retired trader.
Why do you think calls for secession persist in the land?
There’s is so much marginalisation. There’s so much hatred for the Igbos. They don’t want the Igbos to go, because they are threatened. However, I call on everyone to embrace peace and try to honour our heroes who lost their lives during the war.
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