1970: Nigeria marks end of the Biafra civil war

On 30 May, 1967, the head of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, unilaterally declared the independent Republic of Biafra.

The Biafran forces were pushed back after initial military gains.

More than two years later, after one million civilians had died in fighting and from famine, Biafra was re-absorbed into Nigeria.

Martin Bell reports from the former Biafra in October 1970.

BBC News - Nigeria at 50

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