Yakubu Gowon: I never wanted Biafra civil war to target Igbos

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that the Biafran Civil War, which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, was not born out of hatred toward Igbo people, but from an urgent obligation to preserve Nigeria’s unity.

In an address at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship in Abuja, he described the conflict as “the most difficult period” of his life and reiterated that it was never his intention to wage war on any ethnic group.

Reflecting on the emotional burden of that tumultuous era, Gowon said, “It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.”

He emphasised that his actions were guided by a deep commitment to national cohesion, not by animosity or vengeance toward the Igbo.

Gowon also recalled a controversial moment when the ruling military government issued identity cards targeting Igbos in northern Nigeria. He insisted that, at the time, his decisions were driven solely by the need to maintain the country’s territorial integrity, not personal bias against any ethnic group.

He used the occasion to call for national healing and reconciliation, urging Nigerians across all faiths and tribes to embrace forgiveness and unity. “Everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing… with love and respect for all the people,” he said, affirming that his decisions were rooted in faith, integrity, and compassion.

Reiterating the famous wartime slogan, Gowon concluded with a powerful message of peace: “No victor, no vanquished.” He urged all Nigerians never to forget the past, but to forge a future grounded in mutual respect and national solidarity.