The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused former military leader General Yakubu Gowon of being responsible for the killings of millions of Igbos during the Nigerian Civil War. IPOB claims that the war, which took place from 1967 to 1970, was triggered by Gowon’s refusal to honor an agreement that could have prevented the conflict.

The conflict, also known as the Biafran War, erupted when the Southeastern region of Nigeria, largely populated by Igbos, attempted to secede and form an independent state. IPOB believes that this attempt to break away happened because the Nigerian government, led by Gowon, did not implement a deal agreed upon at a meeting in Aburi, Ghana. At the meeting, Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu argued for regional autonomy, meaning each region would govern itself independently.

However, Gowon’s failure to follow through on this agreement led to the war, which resulted in the deaths of over three million people, many of whom were Igbos. Gowon, now 90 years old, has recently blamed the Southeastern region for starting the war, but IPOB insists that the real cause was his refusal to allow regional governance.

IPOB’s founders have called on Gowon to tell the truth about the war. They argue that at his age, he should be honest about his role in the conflict and acknowledge the suffering caused by the decisions made under his leadership. They believe this truth is important, not only for history but also for healing the wounds left by the war.