THE HISTORY OF UZUAKOLI.

THE HISTORY OF UZUAKOLI.

Historically, Uzuakoli originated from Ezera in the present day Isukwuato Local Government Area, all in Abia State. Uzuakoli first settled in Akoli, migrating from there to their present settlement now called Uzuakoli.

Originally known as “Ozu,” Uzuakoli had five children – Mba, now called Amamba; Oma, now Eluoma, Nkwo, now known as Amankwo; Agbo, now called Agbozu; and the last child, Ugwuanyim, now called Ngwu. These five children of his gave rise to the five villages of Uzuakoli.

Uzuakoli houses the famous Leprosy Settlement founded by the Methodist Missionary Society and the Local Authorities of Owerri Province in August, 1932. Uzuakoli also houses one of the best Secondary Schools in Nigeria, Methodist College Uzuakoli, founded in 1923. The town also boasts of a famous market – Eke Uzuakoli.

During the colonial era, Uzuakoli was popular for a notorious clandestine slave trade market. The town is so historically strategic that it became infused in a popular Biafra song making waves till date – “Agawalam ikwa ngbo na Uzuakoli, Baby isim gbalaga.”

During the Biafra war, the Nigerian army of 82nd Battalion commandeered by Major Ibrahim Babangida, attacked and captured Uzuakoli. In that fierce battle, Major Babangida was wounded by a Biafran Ogbunigwe shell and was evacuated. When Uzuakoli launched their electricity project in the 80s, IBB came to commission it, recalling the battle. Of course Uzuakoli and Abagana stand out as the toughest war fronts during the Biafra incursion.