Biafra War Veteran, Joseph 'Hannibal' Achuzia Dies at 90

Renowned veteran of the Nigerian civil war, retired Col. Joseph 'Hannibal' Achuzia, is dead.

It was learnt that Achuzia passed away on Monday morning at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, the Delta State capital, during a brief illness.

One of the children of the deceased, Mr. Benedict Onyeka Achuzia, formally broke the news of the demise the veteran soldier in Asaba.

Already, in line with the Asaba and Anioma tradition, a 21-gun salute has been fired to announce the demise of Pa Achuzia, who holds the traditional title of Ikemba of Asaba.

However, his Idumujei Quarters in Asaba residence wore an atmosphere of grief as numerous residents of the city strolled into the compound apparently to condole with the bereaved family.

A condolence register has already be opened for the departed chief and respected elder.

His son, Onyeka, said his father joined his ancestors at about 8a.m. on Monday.

According to him, "He died around 8 this morning. It was something we never expected but it happened. He was 90 years old. It’s just a sad incident.

"My father was the best dad ever. I was so sad when he gave up, and I can't help it.

"Even when he was be taken into the mortuary, I couldn't believe it was true. He was smiling but we never knew he was going. May his soul rest in perfect peace."

The late Colonel Joseph Achuzia (retired) was born in 1929. He was a Major in the Biafran army during the Nigeria Civil War of 1967 to 1970.

Nevertheless, prior to joining the Biafran army in May 1967, Achuzia had been a soldier in the Nigerian Army. He fled to the Southeast in fear of anti-Igbo sentiment among the Nigerian army the war.

Achuzia was a traditional stakeholder in the affairs of Asaba as he held the title of Ikemba of Asaba till his death.