1967 – Biafran Secession Sparks Nigerian Civil War

On May 30, 1967, Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the southeastern region of Nigeria an independent republic—Biafra. This bold move was in response to ethnic tensions, massacres of the Igbo people, and deep political unrest following a military coup. The declaration led to the brutal Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), costing over a million lives, mostly due to starvation. Though Biafra ultimately failed to gain international recognition or independence, its story remains a powerful example of Black self-determination under threat. May 30 is still commemorated by Biafran supporters and is a potent symbol in Igbo nationalism and African debates about federalism, resource control, and post-colonial identity. The war also sparked global humanitarian responses and shaped Nigerian politics for decades. Today, Biafra remains a sensitive and unresolved issue, but the courage of May 30, 1967, continues to stir dialogues on sovereignty and justice in Africa.