The Nigerian Civil War and the Ekori Experience (1967- 1970)

This study examines the Nigerian Civil War and the Ekori Experience, 1967 to 1970. It has been noted that, despite a plethora of literatures relating to the Nigerian civil war, specific areas like Ekori remains unwritten on. This study is a contribution to existing literature on the subject matter and it also highlights the role Ekori played during the war. It is in this light the study uses an analytical method in forms of data such as interviews, documents, observation and analysis. The research relied on both oral and written sources. The interdisciplinary approach was also adopted in this study to give a more comprehensive and nuanced narrative. The objective of this study is to reconstruct the experiences of the Ekori people in the civil war years and to provide valuable insights into the complexities and consequences of the conflict, impacts and horrors of the war on the vulnerable population, recovery, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. The study further reveals that the people of Ekori participated actively in the war. Their contribution to the success of the federal forces was prominent, through enlisting into the army to fight for a united Nigeria and the cooperation of the masses with the federal troops. Majority of people died from one cause or the other, many maimed and deformed, businesses and dreams shattered and crushed during this tumultuous period. By analyzing the effects of the war on Ekori, including the physical, psychological, and social repercussions, this research sheds light on the resilience and determination of the community in rebuilding and healing from the scars of war. Conclusively, the study outlined the different propellants of national conflict and the challenges to nation building in Nigeria, the work proffer solutions that will help avoid future conflicts of such magnitude. This research work has opined that a strategic framework which involve implementing policies and institutions to check corruption and tribalism could be vital to solving some of these problems. Further recommendations are reviews or reforms of sustainable developmental programs that are inclusive for all regions, peace building workshops and conflict resolution training so as to imbibe in citizens the skills to manage conflicts peacefully.