THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR IN NSIT IBOM , 1967 1970.

This study, titled “The Nigerian Civil War in Nsit Ibom, 1967-1970,” examines the experiences of Nsit Ibom people during the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War. The war was a culmination of decades of ethnic and political tensions following the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates of Nigeria in 1914. It was fought between the secessionist state of Biafra, led by Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon. Contrary to the prevailing narrative, the findings of this study reveals that Nsit Ibom was indeed affected by the conflict. Through oral traditions and historical analysis, this study uncovers that the invasion of Nsit Ibom by Biafran forces and its subsequent occupation by the Nigerian government were deeply rooted in the intergroup relations between the Nsit Ibom people and the Easterners, particularly the “Umani”. Using a comprehensive research methodology that draws from primary and secondary sources, this research reveals the devastating impact of the war on the Akwa Ibom State population with special reference to the experiences of Nsit Ibom people in the war, including displacement, human rights violations, destruction, economic hardship, scarcity of goods, exploitation by Igbo traders and the disruption of farming activities. This study aims to enrich the existing historiography on the Nigerian Civil war by addressing the knowledge gap and correcting misconceptions surrounding violence against Nsit Ibom people. Furthermore, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the effects of the War on local communities, fills the gap created by lack of scholarship on the impact of the war on Nsit Ibom people and provides additional reference material to scholars whose interest is on the Nigerian Civil War in Nsit Ibom.