…Says resilience of Asaba people has overcome tragedy
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has endorsed plans for the construction of a new monument to immortalise the victims of the 1967 Asaba Massacre, saying the people have risen above the tragedy and transformed the community into a thriving city.
The monarch spoke on Friday when an Asaba-based artist and sculptor, Mr. Enyi Echezona, presented a proposal for the construction of a gigantic symbolic monument in memory of the more than 1,000 Asaba indigenes reportedly killed during the tragic events of October 1967.
Prof. Azinge acknowledged the painful history of the massacre but said the resilience of the Asaba people had enabled the community to emerge stronger, more united and determined to build a better future.
He said the rapid development of Asaba over the years, particularly since its emergence as the capital of Delta State, was evidence of the strength, courage and resilience of its people.
The monarch, popularly known as Nna Agu, particularly commended Asaba women who, in the aftermath of the massacre, became breadwinners and raised their families after losing their husbands.
He described the sacrifices of the women as one of the enduring lessons of the tragedy, noting that many of them successfully educated their children, who have gone on to become responsible parents, grandparents and productive members of society.
According to him, although the people of Asaba have moved beyond the “ashes and dust” of the massacre, the memory of those who lost their lives must never be allowed to disappear.
He said the community was seeking not only restitution but also an official apology from the Federal Government, as well as the possibility of establishing a Federal University in Asaba as part of measures to immortalise the victims and preserve the history of the tragedy.
Prof. Azinge welcomed Echezona’s proposal for a new monument, saying it could complement the existing memorial at Ogbeosowe in Ugbomanta Village.
He, however, urged the sculptor to reconsider some aspects of the proposed design, particularly the symbolism of the sculpture, which he said appeared to suggest defiance.
The monarch explained that the people of Asaba were not seeking to project defiance, but rather resilience, remembrance, dignity, survival and the triumph of the human spirit over tragedy.
He therefore advised the artist to rework the concept to better reflect the values and message the people of Asaba seek to communicate through the memorial.
“Truly, we want to further immortalise the victims of the massacre,” Prof. Azinge said, stressing that although the existing monument at Ogbeosowe might not represent everything the community desires, it remains an important symbol of remembrance.
He said the proposed monument, if redesigned appropriately, could stand close to the scene of the 1967 tragedy and provide another platform for preserving the history of the victims for generations to come.
Prof. Azinge expressed appreciation for the initiative, stressing that while Asaba must continue to remember its painful past, the community must also look forward with courage, unity and determination.
Earlier, Echezona explained that although he was not born when the massacre occurred, his exposure to books and accounts of the incident had deeply affected him and inspired him to create a lasting memorial.
He said the proposed monument would be approximately 45 feet tall and feature a lighthouse, mini gallery and mini museum, with the names of victims of the massacre prominently displayed for visitors and tourists.
The sculptor said the project was conceived as a lasting tribute to the victims and a means of ensuring that future generations understand the history and significance of the tragedy.
The Asaba Massacre occurred during the Nigerian Civil War in October 1967, when hundreds of civilians were killed by Federal troops following the capture of Asaba. The incident has remained one of the most painful episodes in the history of the community.
