Retired General Alabi Isama has recalled a critical mistake made by Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu during the Nigerian Civil War. Speaking in an interview with journalist Edmund Obilo on his podcast, Isama explained how Ojukwu’s decision created a food crisis that worsened hunger in Biafra.
According to Isama, during the war many people in Biafra depended on food supplies brought in by Caritas, a Catholic relief organization. Planes flew in food and relief items to help starving civilians. However, Ojukwu’s forces attacked Caritas planes and even put some Italian oil workers on trial, accusing them of siding with the Nigerian government.
“He fought with Caritas that was flying food to them, the Catholic Caritas,” Isama said. “Pope had to write later to Ojukwu because he tried some oil people who were Italian, he said they were guilty and he was going to kill them.”
Isama explained that once the Catholic Church and Caritas realized their own people could face death in Biafra, they withdrew their support. This meant that vital food supplies were cut off, leaving many in Ojukwu’s camp hungry.
“The tactics were wrong, it was as if they were children,” Isama added. “Pope had to write a letter to Ojukwu because he tried some oil people who were Italians, he said they were guilty and he was going to kill them. The oil workers, could have been with you. Now you said you’re going to try them because they were working in the oil field.”
