overview

In the dry season of 1966, a group of Nigerian soldiers, led by Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, an army major, staged a coup d’état that overthrew the elected government of Nigeria. They killed the Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and some other high-ranking government officials.

One thing led to another, and led by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, an army officer, the Eastern Region of Nigeria declared itself an independent Republic of Biafra. In the rainy season of 1967, a civil war broke out between Nigeria and Biafra. An estimated one million people died in the war, mostly from hunger, starvation and sundry privations.

The war severely affected Ikpe Annang, where the author grew up. From a serene, rich and natural African clan, complete with its rich culture and tradition, which the author has taken time to describe, it was reduced to an unrecognizable physical and cultural rubble at the end of the war.

This is the story of how the author survived the Nigerian-Biafra war as a child on the war front that his once serene village had become. He had very close calls, lost his playmates to death and was subjected to serious psychological trauma as a result.

The story is captured in blood-chilling and captivating details by the author of this book.

Reading like a Nollywood movie, it is at once interesting and heart-rending.

It is a true account of the Nigerian civil war, told from the eyes of a child in such an innocent and real manner that can make you laugh at times, and cry at other times.

It makes an interesting read and could be useful as research or reference material for both students and others interested in African anthropology and local culture.