stories and histories THE HAND BEHIND ABAGANA AMBUSH SUCCESS

THE HAND BEHIND ABAGANA AMBUSH SUCCESS.

(The impact of Major Uchendu in Nigeria- Biafra War).

Major Uchendu Jonathan was a commander 39 Strike Force Battalion , Biafran Army.

Major Uchendu Jonathan , from Oba in Idemili LGA of Anambra State . He was working in University of Nigeria , Nsuka before the civil war. With the start of the war, he was enlisted for officer's training at Top Hill , Enugu to fight and defend his people. As a second lieutenant, he fought with col. Assam Nsudoh's 18 battalion of Biafran Army under Brigadier Amadi's 11 Division of Biafran Army..

Uchendu was among those that crossed Niger River to and liberated the Mid-west . They were marching through Okitipupa and Ore heading to Lagos when they were ordered to halt and withdraw to warri. He got another order to return to Onitsha. On his way back, he was ambushed and shot on his head but his boys rescued him , and take him to the hospital in Onitsha. While still under treatment, Nigeria soldiers invaded Onitsha. He had to escape from the hospital and rushed back to war front to fight and defend his people. He was instrumental to the destruction of 7 Nigeria Nava boat that were sunk by Biafran Force. He succeeded in catching White mercenary fighting for Nigeria around Atani and handed him to his commander, Assam Nsudoh to be presented to the authorities and shown to General Ojukwu that mercenary are were fighting for Nigeria.

Due to his appointment, he was promoted to the rank of a captain. His military success and exploit known no boundaries. As Nigeria force was advancing through Enugu, Colonel Assam Nsudoh tasked his brave warrior, now promoted to the rank of a Major to take 150 members of their 18 battalion of biafran army to form a strike force Battalion under his command to be known as 39 Strike force Battalion . His primary task will be to proceed every attack for 18 battalions will move in for the kill. His battalion did exactly what it was formed for .

Uchendu halted the advancing Nigeria soldiers at Ugwuoba , Amansea and Ugbene Axis and made them suffer causalities in men and equipments. On march 31, 1968, at Abagana sector of the war, major uchendu LED troops of biafran 39 Strike force Battalion who laid Ambush for the second Division of Nigeria army commanded by Colonel muritala Muhammed. As they approached, major Uchendu's boys fired a Biafran-made " Ogbunigwe" rocket on the advancing Nigeria convoy. It hit a petrol tanker and what followed next was a massive explosion that almost wiped out the entire Division. Colonel muritala Muhammed miraculous escaped and survived to Nawfia. Major Uchendu went after him in a serious chase but before they go to him, he narrowly escaped in chopper.

For a man who was not in then Nigeria army to have fought nonstop; rising to the rank of temporary lieutenant Colonel within 10 months of the active battles, such accomplishments puts major Uchendu among the bravest Biafran soldiers, ranked with likes of Nzeogwu, Iheanacho, Onwuatuegwe, etc. Major Uchendu did not survived the war . He died from a sniper"s bullets on his head around Abagana-Abatete Axis of the war front. He was taken and buried in his home town Oba in Idemili LGA.
May his soul rest in peace .

C.c Biafran Update

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