In a recent interview with Edmund Obilo from 3:50, Nigerian author Kanayo Esinulo highlighted a significant moment from the Biafran Wàr. He recounted the confusion that arose when Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the leader of Biafra, left Nigeria in 1970.
Esinulo explained that Ojukwu’s departure resulted in chaos. The sudden collapse of the 12th Division took everyone by surprise, particularly since conditions for Biafra had been improving. According to him, this failure cut off crucial military support, prompting soldiers to flee to Aba and Olakwu.
During this challenging time, Esinulo said the Chief of Army Staff, Maduegbe, found it difficult to keep things under control, which resulted in Ojukwu choosing to leave after being advised to prioritize his safety.
“When the news came that 12Div had totally collapse, cutting off ex Brigade that was around Azumini, there was problem. The biafrans were decimated, some were heading to Aba, some, to Ulakwo (around today’s Imo airport.) Maduegbe (Chief of Army staff) couldn’t put it together. Emeka was advised to leave and he left.”
