The Asaba Massacre is a significant historical event that occurred in October 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a conflict that arose due to the secession of the southeastern region of Nigeria, which declared itself the Republic of Biafra. As the war progressed, Asaba, a town located on the western bank of the Niger River, became a strategic location due to its proximity to the secessionist region.

In early October 1967, Nigerian federal troops captured Asaba as part of their campaign to push back Biafran forces. Following their entry into the town, the federal troops, driven by the belief that Asaba residents supported the Biafran cause, conducted a house-to-house search, arresting many men and boys. On October 7, 1967, the federal troops ordered the townspeople to gather in the town square, ostensibly for a public rally to show support for the federal government. Trusting the soldiers, many men, women, and children dressed in ceremonial white attire and gathered at the designated location.

However, the rally turned into a massacre when the soldiers separated the men and boys from the rest of the crowd. In a horrifying turn of events, the soldiers opened fire on the men and boys, killing hundreds in cold blood. This act of violence was one of the most brutal incidents of the Nigerian Civil War and left a deep scar on the community of Asaba. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, but it is estimated that between 700 and 1,000 men and boys were killed.

The Asaba Massacre has since been recognized as a war crime, and efforts have been made to remember and honor the victims. In recent years, the Asaba Memorial Arcade was established to commemorate those who lost their lives during the massacre. The memorial serves as a place of reflection and education, ensuring that the tragic events of October 1967 are not forgotten.