BIAFRA REPULSING FEDERAL FORCES

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31420, 13 July 1967, Page 9

BIAFRA REPULSING FEDERAL FORCES

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, July 12.

According to first-hand accounts reaching London, the Nigerian Army’s initial attack on the rebel Eastern Region has petered out with no major results, reports the “New York Times” News Service.

The town of Nsukka, a key target for the Federal Army, remains under control of the Eastern secessionist forces. Reports say that Federal guns have not come close enough to shell the town.

Nsukka is 40 miles north of Enugu, capital of the former Eastern Region of Federal Nigeria. Enugu is the seat of the breakaway Republic of Biafra proclaimed by LieutenantColonel Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30. Communications issued in Lagos, the Federal capital, have claimed that Nsukka is surrounded by Federal troops. But reports from the scene say that civilian life in the city is continuing normally. There was severe fighting in the area between Nsukka and the border, according to these reports. Federal forces did cross the border in some strength. But the impetus of the Federal advance is now reported to have faded, with the military action scattered and scrappy. So far as could be learned in Nsukka, the Eastern Army’s casualties have I been light It is reported from Douala, Cameroun, that Nigerian Government forces are in retreat

the new flag of the breakaway district and also called for British non-intervention in the Nigerian war. Biafrans also presented a petition to Mr Harold Wilson demanding British neutrality ip the conflict. The petition said: “It would be tragic if British Ministers should allow arms to be given to the Moslem Northerners who last year massacred 30,000 Christian Biafrans.” Following the new red, black and green Biafran flag through London were miniskirted and trouser-suited girls, and women in traditional African dress. Men chanted “Hey-Nyiha,” a chant used to give inspiration and courage to warriors.

at ail but one point in their I campaign against Biafra. i The Nigerian farces were ’ said to be retreating at all ' points except at Gasen, a border town in Ogodja district : where bitter fighting was still < going on. Radio Enugu, monitored in Douala, said that Nigerian troops had been cut off and encircled by Biafran forces, which were pushing forward ' on all fronts. 1 The radio appealed to Britain not to be drawn directly or indirectly into the present conflict between Nigeria and Biafra. About 300 Biafrans marched through London today behind