First Igbo Three-Star General Chikadibia Obiakor Dies

Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, the first Igbo three-star general in the Nigerian military, died at the age of 75 on Wednesday in Abuja following injuries sustained from a vehicle accident. Born on February 18, 1951, in Umudioka, Awka, Anambra State, Obiakor attended St.

Bartholomew Primary School in Zaria and later the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, where he became a high jumper and played basketball. He was deployed during the pre-civil war riots in 1966 and fought on the Biafran side during the Nigerian Civil War, rising to the rank of captain.

After the war, he re-established contact with the Nigerian military and completed his training. Obiakor was admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy in May 1971, where he distinguished himself as an artillery officer.

He served as the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and received numerous decorations, including the Forces Service Star and the Distinguished Service Star. His contributions to military strategy and peacekeeping were recognized both nationally and internationally.