In May 1967, the Eastern Region declared independence as a state called the Republic of Biafra, under the leadership of Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu. The Nigerian Civil War began as the official Nigerian government side (predominated by soldiers from the North and West) attacked Biafra (Southeastern) on 6 July 1967 at Garkem. The 30 month war, with a long siege of Biafra and its isolation from trade and supplies, ended in January 1970. Estimates of the number of dead in the former Eastern Region are between 1 and 3 million people, from warfare, disease, and starvation, during the 30-month civil war. COUNT 5
QSN1 What did Eastern Nigeria want to call itself as an independent nation? ANS1 Republic of Biafra QSN2 When did Eastern Nigeria declare its independence? ANS2 May 1967 QSN3 Who led Eastern Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War? ANS3 Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu QSN4 How many months did the Nigerian Civil War last? ANS4 30 QSN5 How many people died during the Nigerian Civil War? ANS5 between 1 and 3 million