Johnson T. U. Aguiyi-Ironsi
Quick Summary
Maj. Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi was a Nigerian general who briefly led the country's military administration. Following a coup in January 1966 that resulted in the deaths of Prime Minister Balewa and two regional premiers, Aguiyi-Ironsi took power. His attempt to abolish Nigeria's regions and establish a unitary government, however, led to anti-Igbo riots in the north and deepened ethnic divisions within the army.12
In July 1966, northern officers staged a countercoup, assassinating Aguiyi-Ironsi and bringing Lieut. Col. Yakubu Gowon to power. This period was marked by escalating ethnic conflict and threats of secession, ultimately leading to the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War).12
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