Relics relieve memories of Nigeria civil war

Weekly Trust gathered from officials that the museum was built in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital, because it was a strategic military location in the enclave of the defunct Biafra Republic. The Museum Complex, which opens at 10am and closes at 6pm daily, attracts tourists who pay N100 to access the building. For a first […]

Weekly Trust gathered from officials that the museum was built in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital, because it was a strategic military location in the enclave of the defunct Biafra Republic. The Museum Complex, which opens at 10am and closes at 6pm daily, attracts tourists who pay N100 to access the building. For a first time visitor to the state, locating the museum is quite easy as commercial cars and tricycles are readily available to convey passengers to the museum at N150.

A tour of the museum’s complex shows relics of armament used during the 30-month long Civil war. It has three main galleries namely: Traditional Warfare Gallery, Armed Forces Gallery and Civil War Gallery. Similarly, the Museum has underground that houses the famous “BUNKER” from where the defunct short wave radio station- Voice of Biafra  transmitted its programmes.

Weekly Trust also learnt that from the same bunker the ace radio broadcaster, late Okokon Ndem popularly referred as “Biafra Goebbels” held sway as the propagandist of the defunct Biafra.

Again, former Biafra warlord, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumedgwu-Ojukwu is said to have made his numerous broadcasts from the spot during the war. Thus, on the way into the bunker are war artefacts as well as other archival materials used often times by researchers.

In addition, other war relics used during the civil war as some Cold War military hardware donated or lent from different countries of the world are equally showcased at the numerous galleries cited.

For most tourists, the war museum in Umuahia is symbolic for various reasons. To the older generation fondly called “old skool” who witnessed or participated in the civil war, the relics remind them of the innovative prowess as well as the can-do-spirit of Nigerians, thus the technological possibilities in Nigerians in the face necessity.

Professor Ibe Onwuchekwe, a lecturer at the Abia State University, told Weekly Trust that “the relics at the Museum is a grim reminder of the evils of war that must be abhorred by all. When one visits a site like this and then sees these ‘MASSOB’ men talking about fighting for the sovereign state of Biafra, it is nauseating. If they had witnessed the war, they would never think of another civil war in this country.”

According to Onwuchekwe, “I know that anybody talking about civil war in this country is not being realistic, because when you come here and see these relics, you would definitely feel the bitter experience of the war, such a person would never think of another civil war,” he restated.

A tourist Joe Offor told Weekly Trust that “there are certain things you will normally take for granted but when you come here, you will better appreciate the necessity for unity and peace of this country.”

On a typical day, especially during festivities and public holidays, families, friends, relations, old and young visit the Museum to appreciate its worth. The Museum’s expansive premises also serve as venue for   birthdays, wedding events, as well as “love nest” for fun seekers.

“One may not really appreciate the significance of the museum until one visits it. At the museum complex there is never a dull moment as visitors refresh themselves in various manner,” a resident of Umuahia.

Some visit the naval vessel NNS BONY built by the British and used during the war which berths at the eastern side of the complex: the vessel has a restaurant, where visitors get assorted drinks, local delicacies as  Nkwobi  – goat head garnished with Ugba. Other spices as Ukazi are sold at affordable price.

The Museum’s galleries radiate with arms and ammunitions which were fabricated by Biafran engineers and inscribed with Biafran logo. Also on display is the  Biafran Baby,  a converted two-seater propeller plane which was armed with rocket. Similarly, a Biafran mercenary – Von Rosen reputed to have been used to terrorize   opponents during the hostilities.

War historians opined that it was used to strafe the Port Harcourt airport were opponents’ planes were grounded.

The ingenuity of the Nigerian engineer during the grim period is obvious by the display of war machines such as the Red Devil- Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), mini-armoured tanks, assembled from metal plates and tractor  chassis. Obviously, the Red Devil was recovered in Umudike in Ikwano Local Government Area of the state on August 6, 1984.

According Godwin Ibeh, a tourist, “the Museum makes a better appreciation of the prize Nigerians paid to achieve unity in diversity.”

A historian, Ugochukwu Emezue, argues that the National War Museum has the capacity to become world class tourists’ destination.

In a paper titled: “Museums in a Changing World, New Challenges, New Inspiration,” presented at this year’s International Museum Day, Mrs. Nwaokokoh Vera noted that poor funding, manpower development, aspiration, maintenance culture, cultural poverty and dearth of embellishment are the challenges facing museums in our changing world.”

She pointed out that conservation of cultural property is not simple, as it requires skill, judgment and sensitivity of individuals. According to her, “it demands wise management of resource and good sense of proportion.”

Meanwhile, observers say the Ministry of Defence has done much in providing few facilities at the site. They, however, noted with dismay the fast dilapidating relics. They equally advised that facilities like swimming pool, children parks, lawn tennis court and a modest lodging facility should be provided within the precincts of the Museum to enhance its tourist potentials.