Event Title

Recognizing “War Crimes” in Biafra: The Sergeant Yilda Example

Submission Type

Paper

Abstract

The civilian experiences of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war are gradually attracting attention. Aside from the Asaba massacre investigated in recent years by Emma Okocha, Elisabeth Bird and Ottanelli including few other works mainly on communities across the Niger, the atrocious activities of the federal soldiers in core Biafran enclaves have received scant attention. This is because the Biafran narratives appear in hushed tones and mainly in private spaces until recently. It seems there is an official imprimatur against the word “Biafra.” Thus, individuals who are remembered as having committed heinous crimes during the war have not attracted scholarly attention. It is the gap in knowledge that this research attempts to fill. Sgt. Yilda infamously designated ogbummadu (butcher) is one of such soldiers. His activities during the occupation of the Nkanu Igbo remained the most horrifying experiences of the people. Using oral interviews and other secondary sources, this paper will attempt to historicise his place in the people’s memory.

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Recognizing “War Crimes” in Biafra: The Sergeant Yilda Example

The civilian experiences of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war are gradually attracting attention. Aside from the Asaba massacre investigated in recent years by Emma Okocha, Elisabeth Bird and Ottanelli including few other works mainly on communities across the Niger, the atrocious activities of the federal soldiers in core Biafran enclaves have received scant attention. This is because the Biafran narratives appear in hushed tones and mainly in private spaces until recently. It seems there is an official imprimatur against the word “Biafra.” Thus, individuals who are remembered as having committed heinous crimes during the war have not attracted scholarly attention. It is the gap in knowledge that this research attempts to fill. Sgt. Yilda infamously designated ogbummadu (butcher) is one of such soldiers. His activities during the occupation of the Nkanu Igbo remained the most horrifying experiences of the people. Using oral interviews and other secondary sources, this paper will attempt to historicise his place in the people’s memory.