The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory, and the Nigerian Civil War” by S. Elizabeth Bird and Fraser M. Ottanelli

Overview: “The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory, and the Nigerian Civil War” is a meticulously researched interdisciplinary study authored by S. Elizabeth Bird and Fraser M. Ottanelli. This book, published by Cambridge University Press on July 31, 2017, offers an in-depth examination of the tragic events in Asaba during the Nigerian Civil War in October 1967, where government troops killed thousands of civilians. The book not only reconstructs the history of the massacre but also explores the long-lasting impacts of trauma and memory on the survivors and the community.

Key Themes:

• Historical Reconstruction: The book provides a detailed account of the Asaba massacre, drawing on archival sources and interviews with survivors, Nigerian military and political leaders. It examines the events that led to the massacre, the massacre itself, and the subsequent impact on the community.
• Trauma and Memory: The authors delve into the psychological and social aftermath of the massacre, exploring how trauma is processed and remembered by individuals and the community. They discuss the role of storytelling, literary devices, and memorials in coping with and understanding the events.
• Political and Social Context: The book situates the massacre within the broader context of the Nigerian Civil War, analyzing the political and ethnic tensions that contributed to the violence. It also examines the role of the Nigerian government and international actors, particularly Britain, in suppressing news of the atrocity.
• Justice and Reconciliation: The book discusses the ongoing efforts to seek justice and reconciliation for the victims of the massacre. It highlights the importance of acknowledging historical atrocities for national healing and addresses the challenges of ethnic suspicion and division in Nigeria.

Authors’ Perspectives: S. Elizabeth Bird and Fraser M. Ottanelli bring their expertise in anthropology and history to provide a comprehensive and nuanced study of the Asaba massacre. Their interdisciplinary approach enriches the understanding of how historical events are remembered and how societies deal with collective trauma.

Publication Details:

• Format: Hardcover and Paperback
• Print Length: 258 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1316506169
• ISBN-13: 978-1316506165
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Dimensions: 6 x 0.59 x 9 inches

Audience: This book is essential reading for historians, anthropologists, students of African studies, and anyone interested in the Nigerian Civil War and its aftermath. It is also valuable for those studying the impact of trauma and memory in post-conflict societies.

Conclusion: “The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory, and the Nigerian Civil War” is a significant contribution to the scholarship on the Nigerian Civil War and the study of trauma and memory. Bird and Ottanelli offer a compelling narrative that not only documents a horrific event but also explores its lasting impacts on survivors and the community. This book is a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of historical memory and the importance of addressing past atrocities for future reconciliation.