The 14th Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has said that the Asaba people are still waiting for an apology from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the massacre that took place in the land of Asaba 58 years ago.

Azinge stated this on Tuesday during the Annual Memorial Anniversary of the October 7, 1967 Asaba massacre day.

He said, “It’s good as we came out today to honour our brothers and sisters of the Asaba massacre of October 7, 1967.

“We are the affected ones; hence this anniversary is very important to us. Those born 58 years ago have become grandfathers and have made success in their endeavors. Imagine the condition of people who became orphans, those raised by single parents as a result of the incident. This massacre affects the psychology of Asaba people deeply.

“We are not relenting on this course, we took a bold step and courage on March 20, 2025, to confront a sitting President on the Asaba massacre.

“We are ready to take this matter going forward to anywhere. If Rwanda can come out stronger, Asaba is always stronger.

“The few requests I made to Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, is that Asaba deserves apology from a sitting President.

“Secondly, that in order to assuage the quest of Asaba people and all souls of what happened to us 58 years ago, there should be establishment of Federal University in Asaba, that had been the request of the 13th Asagba of Asaba and that is still my request.

“So that we know that our brothers and daughters did not die in vain. These are the things we are looking forward to, and it will surely happen.”

Azinge emphasized that the government of Nigeria must recognize what they are clamouring for and they must meet them on that note.

In his remarks, the Convener Annual Memorial Anniversary and Isama-Aje, Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, added that even though President Bola Tinubu was silent on the Asaba massacre when confronted, it does not mean he is not aware of the incident.

He said that this year’s anniversary was very important following a motion moved in the Delta State House of Assemby to be observing a minute silence every October 7, saying that they will intensify the awareness.

He disclosed that a more befitting monument where eternity light will be on 24/7 in their honour will be built.

The highlight of the occasion was the shooting of 21 guns and a minute silence at the State House of Assembly and Ogwa-Ukwu, Asaba. (The PUNCH)

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