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Ohanaeze Ndigbo announces Biafra agitators readiness for dialogue with FG
Ohanaeze Ndigbo states that Biafra agitators are prepared to engage in dialogue with the federal government, potentially leading to significant changes including prisoner release and regional economic revitalization.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo states that Biafra agitators are prepared to engage in dialogue with the federal government, potentially leading to significant changes including prisoner release and regional economic revitalization
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced that Biafra agitators are now ready to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria to chart a path forward.
Also read: Agitations For Biafra Is Madness – Umahi
In a statement released on Tuesday by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze, the organization highlighted the potential of this dialogue to usher in significant transformations.
These potential changes include the release of all prisoners of conscience, most notably Nnamdi Kanu, the reopening of the Eastern Economic Corridor, and a definitive end to violence carried out under the guise of agitation.
“It is our earnest hope that those misled into cycles of violence and armed struggle will choose to abandon their hostile actions, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous Southeast,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze proclaimed this development as a pivotal and historic turning point for Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape.
The organization formally acknowledged the “courageous decision of the Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators to extend a hand of peace towards the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
According to Ohanaeze, this moment follows twelve years of sustained diplomatic pressure from the international community and numerous United Nations-affiliated peace groups, all urging these advocates for self-determination to embrace peaceful negotiations.
Isiguzoro stated that the acceptance by the non-violent Pro-Biafra agitators to offer a “dove of peace and a hand of friendship” to the federal government marks a crucial moment in Nigeria’s history.
He further noted that this forthcoming dialogue is anticipated to mirror the earlier discussions held in Aburi, Ghana, now envisioned as the “Abuja Accord.”
“This initiative aims explicitly to address and resolve the long-standing grievances that have birthed the Biafra agitation since the cessation of hostilities in the Nigerian Civil War in 1970,” Isiguzoro explained.
He conveyed that the non-violent Pro-Biafra agitators have extended an olive branch to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, inviting the federal government to engage in a constructive dialogue over the persistent “Igbo Question.”
Isiguzoro clarified that the intended dialogue seeks to confront the unresolved issues stemming from the unimplemented policies of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation that were envisioned by General Yakubu Gowon in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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