Msgr. Obiora Ike, Religious Leader and Founding Director of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), has reflected on Nigeria’s painful history, saying the country’s current challenges are not unprecedented, as it has endured even more devastating periods, including the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking during an interview from 33:30 on Afia News on Tuesday, 4 August, 2026, Ike urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the nation’s past rather than lose hope over present-day difficulties. He recalled surviving the civil war and the enormous human cost of the conflict, stressing that the country has overcome major crises before.
“Nothing is new. We have had a country that have had a war. I survived the Civil War. 1 million to 2 million children died during the civil war,” Ike said.
The cleric’s remarks came as he reflected on the resilience of Nigerians in the face of economic hardship, insecurity and political tensions. He suggested that while the country is currently experiencing significant challenges, history shows that Nigerians have repeatedly found ways to rebuild and move forward after periods of tragedy.
According to Ike, remembering the devastating consequences of the civil war should encourage leaders and citizens alike to prioritise peace, dialogue and national unity. He noted that the lessons of the conflict remain relevant today, particularly at a time when divisions and disagreements continue to shape public discourse.