WHAT IS BIAFRA AND WHY ARE SOME NIGERIANS CALLING FOR INDEPENDENCE?

What is Biafra?

In 1967, Nigerian military officer Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the republic of Biafra, an area mainly populated by the Igbo ethnic group, as independent in southeastern Nigeria. The Nigerian military consequently entered into civil war with the Biafrans, encircling the region and blockading supplies from reaching the population. As a result, more than one million people died, many due to starvation.

More than 45 years ago, Nigeria was nearly divided by a bloody civil war that led to the deaths of over a million people. 

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of eastern and southern Nigeria, calling for the establishment of an independent Biafra once again.

The protests have resulted in several deaths and Nigerian authorities have warned that anyone sowing discontent or inciting public disorder will be dealt with firmly.