There are so many historical events in the world, and it's difficult to choose one. But I have to look at the one that I think has had an impact on me and also on the world. We all know that knowing about the history of a thing, people, or event is very important because it will help our relationship.
Growing up as an African, I have heard so many stories of historical events, but what I want to write about is an event that happened in Nigeria some years ago. Looking at this event, I see that it has played a significant role in the current state of Nigeria. I want to talk about the Nigerian Civil War. I know this might seem strange. Nobody wants a war; we all know that war is a very terrible event to experience.
Growing up, my dad told me stories about the Nigerian Civil War. How it started from what was termed an insignificant disagreement to a full-scale war He still insists that the war was just about the egos of two people. I won't want to go into much detail about the events that led to the war. The Nigerian Civil War lasted for about 3 years, that's from 1967 to 1970. I can imagine what those who experienced the war went through.
During the war, there were a lot of bombs from jet fighters that targeted residential areas, and this led to the loss of lives. My dad told me how they had dug pits all over their compound, and any time they heard the jet fighters flying, they would run and hide in the pit. As the bombers targeted houses and also bushes, some people hid in the bushes. It would feel like I was acting in a war movie. Just imagine bombs flying over one's head.
Children died of hunger, and the elderly did too. My dad told me how he specialized in setting traps for animals. It's fascinating to know that they survived for months, eating only meat, and these meats were not well prepared. At some point, they had to eat raw cassava. One had to sleep in the bush for days or walk through the forest just to avoid being captured and conscripted into the army. It was a situation of survival for the fittest. Because one had to live life on its edge. During one of their journeys in the forest, they walked into an ambush. At that moment, they all thought they would be killed or captured by the soldiers. And wild animals in their large numbers ran towards the soldiers, and that's how they were able to escape. I can imagine how one minute you are scared for your life, and the next moment you are safe. The emotional trauma is something one cannot explain.
Surviving a war that lasted for three years would teach one a lot of life lessons. Having to be vigilant at all times isn't as easy as we all think. Imagine a kid sleeping while also being aware of their environment. It would teach me composure because even when you are faced with danger, you have to remain calm. I can't imagine myself going days without eating food. But in the face of danger, food becomes the least of your worries.
I would have learned how to handle deadly situations and be calm in the face of danger. Food would be the least of my worries, therefore making me learn how to prioritize things. Because during a war, food is never your priority but safety. The war would teach me about persistence and endurance, which one needs in the face of adversity.
We might all not agree that war is the best historical event. But for me, it holds a lot of life lessons, which can help one grow and understand that the world is not a bed of roses.
