May 30: ‘We still bleed’ – Igbo women

….Seek healing, justice for Biafra war victims

….Say remembering war victims shouldn’t be criminalised

By Steve Oko

Igbo women under the aegis of Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), have called for healing, justice and national reconciliation as Ndigbo across the world commemorate the May 30 Biafra Remembrance Day.

IWA maintained that nearly six decades after the civil war, the quest for healing and reconciliation remains unfinished.

Igbo women said remembering war victims should not be criminalised.

In a message marking the annual event, IWA National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, said the memories of the Nigerian civil war and the killings that preceded it remain painful for many Igbo families.

“We cannot shy away from our past because that past continues to haunt us,” she said.

“From 1966 to date, we still bleed. When people suffer injustice, the wounds remain long after the events”, the IWA President lamented.

She described May 30 as a solemn day set aside to honour fallen Biafran heroes and innocent civilians who lost their lives during the war and related violence.

“Our children have chosen this day to remember our fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers who died. We owe them that honour,” she said.

According to her, virtually every family in Igboland suffered losses during the war, making the remembrance deeply personal.

“No family in Igboland was untouched by the war. The pain remains part of our collective memory.”

Chimezie urged Igbos worldwide to observe the day through prayers, candlelight vigils and other peaceful activities in honour of the dead.

She also appealed to the Federal Government to respect the observance and initiate measures aimed at healing the wounds of the past.

“It is time for Nigeria to reflect on the war and ask whether the nation has truly healed. Healing begins when pain is acknowledged and the victims are remembered.”

The IWA leader further called on the government to engage aggrieved youths in the South-East through dialogue rather than confrontation.

“Our youths have concerns and aspirations. The best way forward is meaningful engagement and not suppression. Their grievances should be listened to and addressed.”

According to her, the call to remember fallen heroes does not in any way amount to violence, wondering why security agencies are threatening a clampdown.

She urged South-East Governors and political leaders to help bridge the gap between the region’s youths and the Federal Government.

“I call on our leaders to engage the youths and work towards lasting peace and understanding.”

Drawing lessons from post-conflict reconciliation efforts around the world, Chimezie argued that remembrance should not be viewed as a threat to national unity but as a pathway to healing.

“There can be no genuine unity without justice, understanding and healing. Remembering those who died is an act of humanity, not division.”

She urged Igbos to use the occasion to honour the memory of those who lost their lives and to pray for lasting peace.

“A lot of them died unjustly and too young. As we remember them today, may their memories inspire healing, justice and peace in our land.”

The post May 30: ‘We still bleed’ – Igbo women appeared first on Vanguard News.