Jumoke Ogunkeyede has shared a striking account of a tense diplomatic encounter during the Nigerian Civil War, revealing how the British government challenged Nigerian officials over reports of troop misconduct.
Speaking on a podcast from 18:13 hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ogunkeyede recounted that nationalist leader Anthony Enahoro once led a Nigerian delegation to meet the British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, seeking financial support for Nigeria’s campaign against Biafra.
During the meeting, Wilson reportedly raised serious concerns regarding allegations that Nigerian soldiers were harming children amid the conflict. Ogunkeyede said the Prime Minister reached into a drawer and displayed photographs to the delegation.
One of these images allegedly depicted military officer Murtala Mohammed pointing a gun at the head of a boy, estimated to be around 13 years old. Other distressing photographs were also reportedly shown during the session.
Wilson is said to have warned that Britain would only consider providing aid to Nigeria if such incidents ceased immediately.
Ogunkeyede explained that upon returning to Nigeria, Enahoro shared the development with senior government official Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo advised him to present both the message and the photographs openly during the Supreme Military Council meeting.
When the photographs and the issue were formally presented to the council, Murtala Mohammed reportedly reacted with visible anger, creating a tense atmosphere. Following the incident, Mohammed was sent to the battlefield, reflecting the serious consequences of the confrontation.
Ogunkeyede summarized the shocking moment, stating:
“Harold Wilson opened a drawer and brought some pictures and showed to them, he showed Gen Murtala Mohammed in one picture with a gun on the head of a 13-year-old boy.” Read_More…