Ahmed Taiwo Calls for Healing and Forgiveness Over Asaba Massacre

Retired Major General Ahmed Taiwo, son of the late Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, urged for forgiveness and open discussions about Nigeria's painful historical events, specifically the 1967 Asaba Massacre, during an interview on Channels TV. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging past atrocities to facilitate healing and reconciliation among Nigerians.

Ahmed publicly apologized on behalf of his father and family for the massacre, where federal troops killed hundreds of civilians during the Nigerian Civil War. He stated that acknowledgment is the first step toward restitution and healing, noting that many Nigerians have experienced various forms of hurt.

Ahmed criticized the tendency to avoid discussing painful historical events, advocating for truthful conversations to foster forgiveness and healing. His appeal coincided with the 59th anniversary of the Asaba Massacre, which occurred in October 1967, when federal troops opened fire on men and boys during a demonstration of loyalty to Nigeria, resulting in disputed casualty figures.