In a poignant ceremony marking the 58th anniversary of the Asaba massacre, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba, has once again called on the President of Nigeria to issue a formal apology for the tragic events of October 7, 1967, when hundreds of innocent Asaba civilians were summarily executed during the Nigerian Civil War.
The Asagba, speaking at the annual remembrance event held in Asaba, emphasized that the community continues to carry the emotional and historical burden of the massacre. “We are still waiting for a presidential apology — not just for closure, but for justice and national healing,” he stated.
The ceremony featured a minute of silence at noon, traditional libations, and a 21-gun salute in honor of the victims. Community leaders, elders, and descendants of those affected gathered to pay tribute and reflect on the enduring impact of the massacre.
The monarch also urged the federal government to establish a national monument in Asaba and consider the creation of a federal university in the city as part of efforts to honor the memory of the fallen and invest in the future of the region.
Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, the Isama Ajie of Asaba, announced that October 7 will now be officially observed with a one-minute silence annually, reinforcing the community’s commitment to remembrance and reconciliation.