The declaration of the Republic of Biafra by the Eastern Region of Nigeria was a pivotal moment shaped by a confluence of ethnic strife, political neglect, and economic disparities. Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, tensions between the Igbo people of the Eastern Region and the federal government escalated, fueled by a series of military coups and increasing political disenfranchisement. The horrific experiences of the Igbo during the 1966 anti-Igbo pogroms intensified their desire for self-determination.

On May 30, 1967, Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu proclaimed Biafra's independence, asserting that the Igbo could not coexist peacefully within Nigeria due to the inequalities they faced. The Nigerian government's response was immediate and decisive; it launched military operations to reintegrate the Eastern Region, leading to a prolonged civil war commonly referred to as the Biafran War, marked by significant humanitarian crises, including mass starvation and displacement.

The conflict drew international attention, with various foreign countries providing support to different sides, while humanitarian organizations struggled to provide aid to the starving population in Biafra. After three years of fierce combat, widespread suffering, and an estimated one to three million deaths from combat and famine, Biafra surrendered to Nigeria in January 1970, marking the end of a heartbreaking chapter in the region’s history.