Biafran war veteran, Col. Joe Achuzia is dead

Ex-Briafan soldier and civil war veteran, Col. Joseph Achuzia, a.k.a, the Hannibal is dead.

He died on Monday morning at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, after a brief illness, according to one of his sons, Mr. Benedict Onyeka Achuzia.

Mr Onyeka Achuzie, son of the deceased, who announced this to journalists at his residence, No. 2 Idumojei Quarters, Asaba, said he died at about 8 a.m today, February 26.

He said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the hospital morgue ahead of the traditional burial rights on a date yet to be announced.

”My father died around 8 a.m this morning at age 90 in the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

“He was a traditional Chief of Asaba,” the Ikemba of Asaba”, so we have announced it to the Asagba in Council; it is a sad news to us.

The late Achuzie, born in 1929 and was a Major in the Biafran Army.

Achuzia was with Nigerian Army but joined the Biafran Army in May 1967. He led the 11th Battalion, responsible for defending the area between Atani and Ndoni from an imminent attack.


He fought with the Nigerian 2nd division and on January 19, 1968, Achuzia was given total control of Biafran 11th Division. He was later transfered to Port Harcourt and was made the commander of all Biafran soldiers within Port Harcourt.

Achuzia throughout the war played a vital role in reprisal attacks and recapturing of Biafran cities.

On January 9, 1970 President Odumegwu Ojukwu officially placed all remaining Biafran soldiers under the command of Maj. Achuzia.

After he was released from prison in 1970, he officially retired from military activities and became a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.

Rest in peace, great man!