The story of Mark Anamelechi Chukwunwike Odu and his role in the Hijack of the Nigeria Airways Fokker 27 NAAV on April 27, 1967, which later became Biafra’s first plane.
In 1966, Mark Odu, a student leader in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, realized the Igbo people were in danger after the January coup, which didn’t involve any prominent Igbo figures.
The July counter-coup led to mass killings of Ndi Igbo, culminating in two million deaths by 1970, pushing Mark Odu towards rebellion. Odu confronted military leaders about the violence against his people, leading to student demonstrations with support from various unions.
His activism played a role in influencing Lt. Col. Ojukwu to declare the Biafran Republic. Odu and six others were then trained in guerrilla warfare and explosives, preparing them for more direct action against the Nigerian government.
They included Lt. Col. Chude Sokei, Lt. Col. Obioha, Airline Captains FA Osakwe and Ibikare Allwell-Brown of Nigeria Airways, the scientist Inyagha, Messrs Odu, Onuora Nwanya, Goddy Ikwuazor and Allison Okeke.
Amongst this people, only four operatives, Inyagha, Ibikare, Nwanya and Odu, did the actual hijacking. Odu was the youngest but Military Intelligence asked him to head the operation for his courage.
Lt. Col. Ojukwu then authorized the hijacking of a plane to acquire assets and secure a means of transportation for potential diplomatic efforts. For the Hijack, diverse group assembled, including military officers and airline captains, with Mark Odu appointed as the youngest leader due to his bravery.
Odu and his team prepared for the hijacking, they secured plane tickets and accommodations in Benin. On April 23, 1967, during a flight, Inyagha storms the cockpit with a gun, forcing the pilots to change course to Enugu. Odu and his team reassured the passengers that no one will be harmed and that they would arrange transport for their return after reaching Enugu.
Odu was satisfied with their successful operation, noting they took control of a plane from Nigeria Airways making Biafra the first black nation to successfully Hijack a plane. Odu was later captured and imprisoned for more than 2 years. Nze Mark Anamelechi Chukwunwike Odu is very well and alive and is currently the traditional ruler of Amaohuru, Nguru Mbaise.
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- Source: VoiceOfTheEast
