Former Nigerian head of state Yakubu Gowon, now 90, has attributed the suffering of Igbo civilians—especially women and children—during the Nigerian Civil War to a blockade enforced by Biafran soldiers, not solely federal forces. In a recent interview with ARISE TV, Gowon stated that rebel fighters “refused all attempts to send aid into their camp,” exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that unfolded during the conflict .
Gowon also revisited his longstanding claim that Igbo casualties during the 1967–1970 civil war “are not in millions,” challenging previous estimates that suggested up to three million deaths. He reiterated that his military campaign was intended to preserve Nigeria’s unity, not to target civilians .
Despite the absence of precise records, many historical accounts document that hundreds of thousands of Biafran civilians died from starvation, malnutrition, and violence—particularly in areas like Asaba, Onitsha, and Enugu. These events are still regarded as among the most tragic and neglected episodes in Nigeria’s postcolonial history .
Gowon defended his wartime conduct, stating that he implemented specific rules of engagement aimed at preventing harm to non-combatants. “Soldiers on the Nigerian side were to protect the people, especially women and children, and take up arms only against those who had taken arms against them,” he declared .
The conflict, which began in July 1967 after the Eastern Region declared secession and ended in January 1970, was marked by Gowon’s post-war pronouncement of “no victory, no vanquish,” an appeal designed to facilitate reconciliation—an appeal that many critics believe remains unfulfilled due to unresolved grievances of the Igbo populace .
