Bianca Ojukwu Reveals Existence of Mass Grave in Anambra State

Anambra State, United Kingdom – Bianca Ojukwu, the esteemed wife of the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, has made a startling revelation about the discovery of a mass grave in Anambra State. In a statement posted on her Facebook page titled “A Mass Grave Site Discovered in Anambra Sealed Off for Forensic Investigation,” Ojukwu disclosed that the existence of the grave came to light through testimonies presented to the Commission of Inquiry.

Ojukwu, who served as the former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, did not disclose the exact location of the mass grave. However, she confirmed that the discovery was made known to the Anambra Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission, which was established by the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, in June 2022. The commission aims to investigate the violent agitations and restiveness that have plagued the state and the South East region.

Based on the testimonies gathered, it has been revealed that an estimated 322 individuals have been verified as killed or deceased due to acts of violence. The witnesses who appeared before the commission provided chilling accounts of the atrocities committed. The Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission have concluded the second phase of their public hearing, with a total of 39 witnesses testifying on oath and 243 exhibits collected during the proceedings, which took place from October 26 to November 3, 2023.

Speaking about the grave site, Ojukwu expressed her deep concern, stating, “We are living in alarming and anxiety-inducing times, but we prayed to God to heal our land.” She further emphasized that the commission, led by Chairman Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has decided to seal off the suspected mass grave site for forensic investigation by pathologists. This crucial step aims to uncover the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

During the first phase of the public hearing held between June and July of this year, the Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission considered 24 petitions and heard testimonies from 48 witnesses who testified on oath. The commission also met with 31 petitioners, including 11 organizations, 19 communities, and one individual, within a 10-day hearing. As a result of their findings, the commission recommended the establishment of a Bureau of Missing Persons in the state to document the missing individuals and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

When contacted for comment, the Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Christian Aburime, stated that no formal report had been presented to the state government regarding the mass grave discovery. He clarified that Ojukwu’s statement likely referred to the activities of the Truth and Justice Commission, of which she serves as the secretary. The police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, did not respond to inquiries regarding the development.