Opinion
Mohammed shuwa: The General who opposed the killing of civilians during the civil war
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Mohammed Shuwa: The General Who Opposed the Killing of Civilians During the Civil War
Many Nigerians have never heard of General Mohammed Shuwa, but his name deserves to be remembered.
During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), General Shuwa served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the First Division of the Nigerian Army.
But unlike many others, he’s remembered not just for military service but for refusing to support the mass killing of civilians in the East.
When orders were given to carry out brutal operations in places like Asaba and Onitsha, Shuwa stood his ground and disagreed with other top commanders.
He strongly believed that war should not turn into genocide.
His position was risky, but it revealed a deeper truth:
“Even in war, there must be a line of conscience.”
Unfortunately, years after the war, on November 2, 2012, Shuwa was assassinated in Maiduguri under still-murky circumstances.
But his legacy lives on among those who value human dignity, ethics, and peace even during conflict.
Why do we rarely hear about soldiers who chose peace over power?
Do you think more Nigerians should know about men like this?
CREDIT:2 Heart With Sammy
