Indian Twin Kids Joined At The Skull Successfully Separated By 30 Doctors

Toddler twins joined at the head have been successfully separated today following an 11-hour operation by a team of 30 doctors, 20 nurses and many other paramedical staff.Medics from around the world came together in New Delhi, India, for the risky surgery on Jaga and Kalia, who amazed the health profession by surviving to the age of two-and-a-half.

The twins were born in a village in the eastern state of Odisha with shared blood vessels and some shared brain tissue.

They had undergone the first phase of the separation surgery in August.

“The most challenging job after the separation was to provide a skin cover on both sides of the brain for the children as the surgery had left large holes on their heads,” said Maneesh Singhal, a plastic surgeon who was a part of the operating team.

“The skin was generated from the expansion of two balloons which were placed inside their heads during the first surgery in August,”

The huge operation, their second had to be brought forward after Jaga’s health deteriorated in recent months.

The boys who were originally named Honey and Singh have survived against the odds as twins fused at the cranium have an 80 per cent risk of dying by the age of two if they are not separated.

Odisha health minister Pratap Jena said: ‘Their health is stable, but they will be kept under observation for 72 hours.

Plastic surgeons are on their job after they were separated surgically.’

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2018 BUDGET: Delta Earmarks N6.6 Billion For Health Sector

 …..Boosts Health Insurance With 1 billion Naira

TO ensure that Deltans have access to quality and affordable healthcare, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said, his administration has earmarked the sum of 6.6 billion naira to consolidate the ongoing rehabilitation of the health facilities.

It has also set aside 1 billion naira to augment the contributory health insurance scheme.especially the Under-5 and Free Maternal Health Care Scheme.

The Governor made the disclosure while presenting a budget christened “Budget of Hope and Consolidation,” to the Delta State House of Assembly.

While stating that the sum of N6.6 Billion would be spent in the health sub-sector, the Governor reiterated, “our guiding philosophy for this sector is the establishment of a qualitative, affordable and accessible health care delivery system in the State; hence we are focusing on infrastructural development of our hospitals and primary health care centres, as well as the procurement of drugs and cutting-edge medical equipment in major healthcare facilities across the three Senatorial Districts.”

“The Free Maternal and the Free Under-Five Healthcare programmes that were initiated by the previous administration in 2007 and 2010 respectively, are still being implemented. In January 2017, the financing of these programmes was taken over by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission. As at July 2017, total enrolment of these categories of people in the scheme stood at 71,350 (under 5 – 44,445; maternal – 26,905). Registration of civil servants under the scheme has commenced and is currently in progress. Sustaining the Free Maternal and the Free Under-Five Healthcare programmes has been critical in ensuring that the maternal mortality ratio and under-five mortality in the State remain the lowest in the country,” he said.

Senator Okowa emphasised that, “in fulfillment of our pledge to deliver accessible, affordable and qualitative healthcare, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission was established in 2016; with just N7, 000 as premium, the health insurance scheme is already providing pre-paid health services to 112,169 registered enrollees; the scheme is currently functional in 63 secondary health care centres, while 97 primary healthcare facilities in the State have been designated to commence provision of services under the scheme.”

“The Delta State Health Insurance Scheme has kicked off and its cardinal objective is to give Deltans access to quality and affordable healthcare no matter their socio-economic status; the sum of N1.2 Billion is provided for the Commission’s activities during the 2018 fiscal year.”

He said, “we have infused vigour and vitality into the teaching hospital at Oghara with critical personnel changes and the overhauling of the MRI and CT scan facilities that are now functional. In addition, we have instituted Public-Private Partnership for some diagnostic services to ensure sustainability, and a grant of N142m was released to the institution to meet pressing needs. Infrastructural work at the Asaba Central Hospital has continued to receive priority attention from this administration and is now almost 70 per cent completed.”

On the issue of environment, Governor Okowa that his administration would respond adequately to environmental challenges facing the state, saying, “this administration has embarked on urban renewal in key towns and cities across the state which involves rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of new roads, clearing of drains, environmental sanitation, public water supply, and beautification in the form of leisure parks and gardens.”

“The sum of N2.2 billion is proposed for the Ministries of Environment and Urban Renewal in the proposed 2018 capital budget,” the Governor said, assuring, “we are committed to the rapid development of the Delta State Capital Territory in line with the Master Plan of the State Capital territory and we have observed that some parts of the state capital territory currently stand the risk of degenerating into urban slums because of the uncoordinated approach to housing development.”

He stated, “the population explosion being witnessed in Asaba is occasioned by influx of people from neighbouring states; with better town planning and visionary leadership, this growth in population can be turned into financial prosperity that benefits all; the sum of N3 Billion has been proposed for the activities of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency in the 2018 fiscal year.”

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Gov Okowa eulogizes Uduaghan at 63

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, on Saturday extolled the virtues of his predecessor in office, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as an embodiment of the ideals of diligence, commitment and exemplary patriotism.

Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, congratulated Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan as he turns 63 years on Sunday 22nd October, 2017.

While praying God Almighty to continue to bless the former Governor with good health and long life, Okowa said; “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, to express very warm felicitations to you on your 63rd birthday anniversary. 

“Your contributions to the peace and development of Delta State remains indelible in the hearts of Deltans, especially to the families and children who benefited from the laudable programmes you initiated during your administration".

“As an administration, we have complemented the free maternal health care and under-5 child care your administration pioneered by introducing the Contributory Health Commission in the state with a view to making health care affordable to Deltans and fast track our goal of attaining universal health coverage".

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 63 years of a remarkable life filled with monumental achievements and dedicated service to God and country." the Governor wrote.

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Gov Okowa greets Alex Ekwueme at 85

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated former Vice President of Nigeria and Elder Statesman, Dr Alex Ekwueme as he clocks 85 years on Saturday, October 21, 2017.

In a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa eulogized the former Vice President for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the nation.

He said: “On the occasion of your 85th birthday anniversary today Saturday 21st of October, 2017, I write to heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the Government and people of Delta State. 

“In the past 85 years of a life of outstanding accomplishment and great personal fulfillment, you have not only served our nation at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, you have also brought great pride to Nigeria through your exemplary and pioneering efforts as the Doyen of Architecture in Nigeria."

Governor Okowa noted that Nigeria again tapped from Ekwueme's wealth of experience when he served meritoriously as first elected Vice President between 1979-1983.

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health and imbue you with His continued guidance, protection, and enduring provision.”

The Governor wished Dr Ekwueme “a very well deserved happy birthday”.

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2017 Budget: Ojougboh’s Allegation is Spurious -Okowa

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has described the allegation of a blank 2017 Budget by an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Cairo Ojougboh’s as spurious.

Fielding questions from Journalists Thursday (19/10/17) shortly after presenting 2018 budget proposal to the Delta State House of Assembly, Governor Okowa noted that Dr OJOUGBOH'S allegation is devoid of intellectual content.

Dr Ojougboh had accused Governor Okowa’s administration of operating a blank 2017 budget but, reacting for the first time, Governor Okowa said, “in the first instance, I will not react to comments made by somebody who, though went to school, but made very unintelligent comments.”

“You (Journalists) were here last year when the budget was presented, the budget was debated by the House, the press was also present when the budget was signed; I have been to the National Assembly and I believe that the Delta State House of Assembly is credible; we have followed all the processes just as we have started to follow the processes again this year, is it possible to have a blank budget?” he asked.

The Governor stated that he was not disturbed by such allegations, "what is the budget if it is blank? So some comments appear stupid and unintelligent, but, we are in a country where some persons can say whatever they want because, there is freedom of speech but, it is only fair that people who went to school should be able to speak in a manner that reflects their intelligence because, when we speak unintelligibly, it is very unfair.”

He also disclosed that his administration has severally, assisted the local government councils to meet with their financial obligations to their workers.

According to the Governor, “in the last two years we have intervened with the excess of N5 billion because, even in January 2016 when it appeared we were good with the allocation from FAAC, we gave N3.26 Billion to the local government councils.”

“We hope that with the improved resources, we will definitely start to look into ways to cushion the gap that they (local government councils) have because, there is an obvious gap that they have on a monthly basis and we hope to improve on what we are using to support them, though, it will take time for us to be able to clear some of those backlogs but, some of the local government councils are actually not owing because they have low number of primary school teachers,” he said, adding, “such local government councils like Burutu, Warri North have very few teachers and are not owing salaries; we are going to encourage those who are not owing so that they will continue to pay and we are going to look at ways to support those local governments that have a very high wage bill".

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Delta 2017 Budget: Okowa lashes at critics… Says, ‘Ojougboh is unintelligent’

From: Paul Osuyi, Asaba

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, on Thursday, broke his long silence on the controversy trailing the operations of 2017 budget of the state.

The governor lashed at his critics, specifically his Agbor kinsman, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, describing him as ‘unintelligent’ for referring to the 2017 Appropriation Bill as blank budget.

Ojougboh, a former national deputy chairman of the defunct Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the People Democratic Party (PDP) had accused Governor Okowa of running a blank budget for 2017, and challenged the governor to make public the details of the budget if there was any.

But fielding questions from newsmen in Asaba shortly after presenting the 2018 budget proposals to the state House of Assembly, Okowa said Ojougboh “though went to school but he is making unintelligent comments.

“You (journalists) were here last year when the budget was presented, the budget was considered and passed by the House, and you were there when the budget was signed.

“I have been to the National Assembly and I believe that the Delta State House of Assembly is very credible. We have followed the due processes which we have again started for next year’s budget.

“Is it possible to have a blank budget? Then what is the budget if it is blank? So his comments appear stupid and unintelligent, but somehow we are in a nation where anybody can say anything because of freedom of speech.

“However, it is only fair that people who went to school should speak in a manner that we went to school. When we speak unintelligently, it is unfair,” Okowa said.

Ojougboh left the PDP last month to join forces with the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in a bid to defeat the PDP in the 2019 governorship election where Okowa will be seeking a second term.

The former PDP chieftain, Ojougboh, has since assumed the role of the unofficial spokesman of the opposition party with frequent criticism of the programme and policy of the state government.

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Okowa Takes Road Projects To More Rural Communities

...Commissions Kwale/Ogume/Amai/Obiaruku, Uduophori Roads, Others

IN line with his administration's commitment to providing road infrastructure, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned the Kwale/Ogume/Amai/Obiaruku Road in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Governor who was inspecting and commissioning projects executed by his administration, also, commissioned the Uduophori and Kabowei roads in Patani Local Government Area, also in Delta State.
Governor Okowa who commissioned the projects with the people of the areas coming out in their large numbers to appreciate the quality of work done on the projects, assured the people of the commitment of his administration to delivering people-oriented projects.

At Kwale where he commissioned the Kwale/Ogume/Amai/Obiaruku Road, Governor Okowa commended the peaceful disposition of the people which ensured that projects were executed without hitches.

He assured the people of his administration's commitment to deliver dividends of democracy while at Uduophori and Patani where he commissioned the Uduophori and Kabowei roads respectively in Patani Local Government Area of the State, Governor Okowa said, his administration will not relent in ensuring that the desire of the people are met in line with democratic tenets.

The Governor witnessed a unique scene on his way to Uduophori as the people of Uto-Ewu, Assa, Etefe, Omafuvwie and Edjekuo communities came out to thank him for what he is doing for Deltans and appealed to the Governor to extend such gesture to their communities.

Governor Okowa on the spot, asked the Commissioner for Works to find out what it will take to construct the road, stating that his administration will continue to run an open-door policy, accessible to the people and provide for the people as democracy dictates.

Spokesman of the communities, Mr Jerry Opharomavuo had said they were aware of the developmental strides of the Governor in different parts of the state and appealed for the Construction of roads to their communities.

In a related development, Governor Okowa has assured the people of Utagba-Ogbe of the Construction of the Eke Market.

The Governor gave the assurance today (20/10/17) when he paid a courtesy visit on the Oduosa of Utagba-Ogbe, HRM Isaac Obi.

Governor Okowa who identified with the people, especially, traders for their displacement following plans by the local government council to construct a modern market that has not materialised over the years, stated that his administration will work towards constructing the market.

He also, disclosed that the people will soon have an uninterrupted power supply when an Independent Power Plant (IPP) is completed in Okpai, assuring that there will be step down of electricity in Okpai and Kwale respectively.

The Oduosa who spoke through Chief Dennis Ejechi, had commended the Governor for the numerous roads constructed in the area and appealed to the Governor to construct a bridge across the Ase Creek and also, construct the Eke Market which has been under construction for some years.

Governor Okowa also, paid courtesy visit to the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom.

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5.5 Billion Dollar Foreign Loan: Your Debt Profile Is Rising - IMF Warns Nigeria

The International Monetary Fund has warned the Nigerian federal government about its rising debt profile, just as President Buhari seeks approval from NASS to borrow $5.5 billion to fund the budget

- Tobias Adrian, a director at the financial institution, stated that if Nigeria does not put the resources gotten from increased borrowing to good use, it would pose serious challenges for the nation

- However, Catherine Pattillo, an assistant director at the IMF admitted that Nigeria has undertaken lots of positive reforms; but stated that the government must do more especially in terms of mobilizing non-oil revenue

The federal government has been warned about its rising debt profile, especially foreign loans, by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), The Nation reports.

The financial institution issued the warning on Wednesday, October 11.

This comes following President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent request to the National Assembly for approval to borrow $5.5 billion to fund the 2017 budget.

NAIJ.com gathers that Tobias Adrian, IMF director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, lamented over the fact that the external borrowing of low income countries including Nigeria, keeps rising.

He stressed that if the resources gotten from such borrowing are not put to good use, it would become a serious challenge.

According to data from the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s public debt as at June 2017 stood at $64.19 billion (N19.63 trillion).

However, Catherine Pattillo, IMF assistant director, Fiscal Affairs Department, admitted that Nigeria has undertaken lots of positive reforms such as improving infrastructure especially in the power sector.

Despite this though, she urged the federal government to do more especially in mobilizing more non-oil revenues.

She stated: “The concern in a number of oil exporters is that unless there is action now, debt which has been rising is a concern because of the interest payments.

“So, if you have continuing rise in debt, the interest payments would consume a large part of any revenue that you collect and you won’t be able to use that revenue for the objectives of the economic growth and recovery programme like increasing growth and employment.

“So for insuring that you have the ability to use those revenues for enhancing expenditure, there is a need to make sure that interest to revenue is kept at reasonable level.”

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that a recent report concluded that the total foreign debt profile of the federal and the 36 states governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), showed a continuous rise since the coming of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Under the current government, Nigeria’s foreign debt profile rose from $10.718 billion in 2015, to $11.406 billion in 2016 and $15.047 billion in 2017
.

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South Korea develops 'blackout bombs' that can take down Pyongyang without firing a shot

A South Korean Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired last month

The South Korean military is developing a new weapon to fight North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities.

Seoul's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has acquired the technology to build graphite bombs, non-lethal weapons that can take down North Korea's power system in case of a war, according to military sources who spoke to South Korea's news agency Yonhap on Sunday.

“All technologies for the development of a graphite bomb led by the ADD have been secured,” a military official said. “It is in the stage where we can build the bombs anytime.”

Known as “blackout bombs,” the warheads can be dropped by a plane over power stations. A form of cluster bombs, they split into several canister-like “sub-munitions,” which in turn release carbon graphite filaments that short-circuit the electricity supplies.

The bombs were first used by the U.S. Navy in 1991 to black out power supply in Iraq during the first Gulf War. They were later also deployed against Serbia during the Balkan conflict in 1999.

After their use in Kosovo, NATO spokesperson Jamie Shea said that the bomb's impact is mostly psychological, as the targeted country feels literally and figuratively powerless. “We can turn the power off whenever we need to and whenever we want to,” Shea told the BBC at the time.

South Korea is adding the weapons to its arsenal as part of one of its recently-developed military programs, the so-called “Kill Chain,” which aims to detect an imminent missile attack from the North and react with a pre-emptive strike.

As reported by the Korea Times in 2016, the arms build-up also includes the Korea Air and Missile Defense Program, tasked with tracking and shooting down nuclear missiles heading for South Korea, and an initiative known as the Korean Massive Punishment and Retaliation system, which would first strike back against a North Korean attack.

Originally due for completion in the mid-2020s, South Korea has sped up the program's timeline to face North Korea's rapidly advancing nuclear weapons development program.

Monitoring groups such as the Nuclear Threat Initiative recorded Pyongyang conducting 19 missile tests this year alone, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland . North Korea also tested a hydrogen bomb in its sixth —and most powerful—nuclear test to date.

The South Korean military says there are no signs of an imminent threat.

“We have yet to detect any signs of immediate provocations from North Korea,” a South Korean military source said on Monday, quoted in Yonhap , adding: “We are maintaining an upgraded monitoring effort to guard against any developments.”

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Delta Assembly approves N1.9bn for completion of stadium

The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the request of N1.9 billion for the completion of Asaba township stadium brought to it by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.

The request of the governor was contained in a letter read during the plenary of the Assembly in Asaba by the Speaker of the House, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

Okowa said that in spite of the huge investment on the ongoing Asaba township project which was inherited from his predecessors, the project was yet to be completed.

He said that his administration was determined to complete the project, adding that the project, when completed would boost sports activities in the state.

The Governor said that the contract was awarded at the cost of N1.9 billion with a completion period of four months ending in December 2017, based on the contractor’s finance arrangement.

Gov. Okowa said that the state government would make payment to the contractor for a period of 18 months through an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order.

According to Okowa, the State Executive Council at its 10th meeting which was held on June 20 and June 21 had approved the funding approach and issuance of the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order subject to the ratification of the State House of Assembly.

Okowa, therefore, solicited for the support of the assembly for speedy completion of the project.

Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Tim Owhefere, who moved a motion for the House to receive the letter for further consideration said the letter was of necessity as it would further promote sports development in the state.

He said that the state government was looking at alternative ways of funding projects in spite of the paucity of funds which should be encouraged.

The motion was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the speaker.

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Okowa Bags Dignity Of Man Award

... As Ugwuanyi, Sultan Attends 57th Founders' Day Of UNN

ACTIVITIES of the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to make life better for humanity has been recognised with the 'Dignity of Man Award' confered on him by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The ceremony which was attended by the Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi saw the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa' ad Abubakar III, delivering the 'Dignity of Man' lecture titled, 'Restoring the Dignity of Man: Education as a veritable tool'.

Prof. Uchenna Azikiwe, wife of late sage and founder of the University, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr Donald Duke were among dignitaries who graced the award Friday (06/10/17) which climaxed activities lined up to celebrate the 57th Founders' Day celebration of the University.

Governor Okowa thanked the University for the recognition and called for equal, opportunities if the dignity of man must be restored.

"We will not be able to restore the dignity of man if we fail to give equal opportunities to all," he said, asserting, "restoring the dignity of man is something we all should think about, we should be conscious of our words and actions, we should continue to ensure that the things we do should improve on the self worth of Nigerians."

He emphasized, "it is my hope that we will stay together and build the country, what we need most is restructuring our minds from the leaders to the followers, there must be ways to empower our people because, economic insecurity is the worst thing that can happen to man; as long as the population is growing faster than the economy, the worth of man will not be what it is supposed to be."

Governor Ugwuanyi congratulated Governor Okowa on the award which Prof. Edith Nwosu had disclosed was given to the Governor, "for pioneering landmark policy reforms and inclusive transformation of Delta State."

In his lecture, the Sultan said sound education should be the beginning for a better future, asserting, "knowledge is light and the restoration of the Dignity of Man should be with the eradication of ignorance."

Chairman of the occasion, HRM Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike who went through memory lane, recalled that experience of Africans, discriminations in different forms caused the University to adopt 'Restore the Dignity of Man' as its motto.

He expressed joy that to a large extent the discriminations has reduced with a black man emerging as the President of the United States of America (USA) but, called for Africans to be proud of what they have and reduce imbibing of foreign culture.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba in an opening speech, said the annual lecture was designed to address the challenges facing the society and congratulated Governor Okowa for bagging the University's award.

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THE ASABA MASSACRE: IN SEARCH OF HEALING AND FORGIVENESS 50 YEARS AFTER

On October 5, 1967, during the bloody civil war, federal troops occupied the peaceful town of Asaba, Nigeria, on the west bank of the Niger River. They accused the people of supporting the retreating Biafran army and for two days rampaged the town killing hundreds of innocent, unharmed citizens.

At the crux of this genocidal act, on Saturday, October 7, 1967, thousands of the people of Asaba, came together screaming ''One Nigeria, One Nigeria,'' believing a show of support for the Nigerian government would pacify the situation. Instead, after the separation of the women and children from men and adolescent boys, the bullet-hungry soldiers gathered the male folks in the centre of the Ogbe-Osowa village and turned their machine guns on them.

More than 700 died with many seriously wounded. Most families could not retrieve the bodies and the dead were buried in mass graves. At the end of that week, more than 1000 civilians were killed, raped, molested, threatened and Asaba laid in ruins. Many fled never to return until the war ended in 1970.

Colonel Murtala Mohammed was the commanding officer of the 2nd division which was responsible for the legendary beating back of the Biafran Army from the Mid-West Region, as well as crossing the River Niger and linking up with the 1st Division which was marching down from Nnsuka and Enugu.

Whether Murtala ordered the massacre or not, it was his division and must therefore take full responsibility.

The casualties were not soldiers or combatants. They were not caught by friendly fire or accidental discharge. They were gathered together and gunned down in what remains one of the most callous incidents of the Nigerian Civil War.

The males who survived the war were those who were sick or too old to come to the square, those who were lucky during the shooting and those who escaped.

Interestingly, the Asaba story was never told as the starving children of Biafra dwarfed the gory event in Asaba.

After the soldiers left, leaving blood and death behind, the stinking unidentified bodies were buried in a mass grave by the lucky survivors.

For decades, Asaba has lived with this horrific and traumatic experience in silence. Most Nigerians have never heard of the fate that befell Asaba people on October 7, 1967. Ironically, those who led this massacre rose to become national heroes, with monuments named after them and beautiful stories told about them.

It is therefore pathetic that those who murdered unarmed civilians in Asaba have never been reprimanded in life or in death, neither has the Federal Government of Nigeria admitted that its troops murdered its citizens, who pledged unflinching loyalty, without provocation is a dent on Nigeria’s image and a shame to a country ''where peace and justice'' is supposed to reign.
We must know our history. #HistoryVille

#TheNationRemembers #GoneButNotForgotten #AsabaMassacre

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