The BBC World Service, in collaboration with Nigerian filmmaker Meji Alabi, is gearing up to launch a significant documentary on the **Nigerian Civil War**, widely known as the **Biafran War**. This powerful film will be available for audiences on **BBC iPlayer** and **YouTube**.
Exploring the Biafran War: “Surviving Biafra”
Titled **”Surviving Biafra”** (1×75′), the documentary offers a profound look into the conflict, featuring **eye-witness accounts** and previously unseen archive footage directly from the front lines. It meticulously presents differing perspectives on the war, including those from individuals on both sides of the conflict, ensuring a balanced narrative.The Nigerian Civil War, occurring in the late 1960s, was a period of immense tragedy, claiming the lives of an estimated **600,000 to three million people**. Many perished due to starvation amidst grave allegations of war crimes and genocide.Director Meji Alabi brings a deeply personal approach to the film, interviewing his own grandfather – a former army commando – and engaging with the soldiers and civilians his grandfather fought alongside and against. This intimate perspective aims to humanize the historical events.Produced by the acclaimed **BBC Africa Eye** team, **”Surviving Biafra”** is set to be available from **June 1** on BBC iPlayer and YouTube. To ensure maximum accessibility and reach diverse audiences, the documentary will also be available in Hausa, Pidgin, Igbo, Yoruba, and French.Alabi underscored the urgency of historical preservation, stating: “Like so many Nigerians, my grandfather’s life was forever shaped by the Biafran War. With each passing year, fewer survivors remain – but the memories of what they witnessed have never left them. It is now the responsibility of younger generations to preserve these stories before they disappear forever.”Liz Gibbons, Director of BBC Global Journalism, added: “As we approach the 60th anniversary of the start of the conflict, the BBC World Service is sharing this incredibly powerful film with our international audience. As well as hearing deeply personal perspectives, we document the events that led up to the war and its devastating impact on so many.”#BiafranWar #NigerianCivilWar #BBCDocumentary #SurvivingBiafra #MejiAlabi #AfricanHistory #WarHistory #EyewitnessAccounts #HistoricalDocumentary #HumanStories
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