The First Nigerian Republic was overthrown in a military coup on January 15, 1966, led by a group of army officers, primarily from the Igbo ethnic group. The coup was a response to the country’s political and economic instability, corruption, and ethnic tensions.
On that day, the coup plotters, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, attacked key government installations and military bases in Lagos, Kaduna, and other cities. The Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, was kidnapped and later killed, along with other senior political and military figures, including:
1. Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the Northern Region.
2. Chief Samuel Akintola, the Premier of the Western Region.
3. Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the Minister of Finance.
4. Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, the Commander of the Nigerian Army.
5. Colonel Kur Mohammed, the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force.
The coup plotters also targeted other prominent politicians and military officers, resulting in the deaths of many innocent civilians and soldiers. The coup led to the collapse of the First Nigerian Republic and the establishment of a military government, with Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi as the Head of State.
This event marked the beginning of a series of military interventions in Nigerian politics, leading to a prolonged period of political instability and violence in the country….Seê _ Morê
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