Nigerian Government to Pay $245 Million to Victims of Biafran War

Nearly 50 years after the end of the Biafran Civil War—which saw secessionists in south-eastern Nigeria attempt to breakaway to form their own independent nation—the Nigerian government has agreed to pay around $245 million (88 billion naira) in reparations to war victims. The war officially ended in 1970 on "no victory, no vanquish" terms.

The government agreed to pay the damages after a legal case was organized by around 493 victims in the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States, reportsBBC Africa.

The government is ordered to pay 50 billion naira directly to victims to compensate for their losses, and 38 billion naira towards rebuilding infrastructure in the affected area, including churches, schools and mosques.

According to Premium Times Nigeria, they will also establish a National Mine Action Centre in Owerri to carry out the clearing of abandoned land mines as well as a "Special Purpose" entity to ensure transparency during the process.