Summary

With Gowon’s three-pronged assault strategy millions in the Eastern Region were suddenly surrounded by Nigerian soldiers. Biafrans responded with guerilla warfare tactics and a tenacity and resiliency that surprised their enemy. As the war progressed, the famine increased in intensity. Disease began to spread and vultures circling above became a common sight.

Ojukwu hoping for aid and assistance, exploited the suffering through daily broadcasts. In his speeches he often referred to “Biafran babies” and “genocide.” His pleas brought help and sympathy and deflected guilt from him and onto the enemy. Under great pressure, Gowon agreed to open up humanitarian routes that could pass without worry of being attacked by Nigerian soldiers.

Even though U Thant, the secretary general of the United Nations, was not an interventionist in October 1969, Ojukwu pleaded for help from the UN in mediating a cease fire. U Thant turned...