Tiv War Veterans

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
EMMANUEL KYURA WANTSÔ YONGO

Emmanuel Denôngon Kyura Wantsô was born on 1st January, 1942 in Mbayongo, Mbaikyo in Ugambe, Shangev-Tiev in what is today Kônshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

He joined the Nigerian Army in 1968 and fought in the Biafran War with the likes of Nyam Ayua from Mbatyav, Bernard Ashir Gyuleya, Taakper Kagher, Ikyombo Swem and John Adoka among others.

Kyura died on 25th March, 2026 and will be buried on 16th May, 2026 at Tse Kyura in Mbayongo, Ugambe Hamlet of Shangev-Tiev.

(We, most kindly acknowledge his son Samuel Tyavbee Kyura for this important update).

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
DAVID KÔRSHIMA ADAGAM UDE

Warrant Officer David Korshima Adagam Ude Aungwa was born on 20th April, 1933 in Mbagbegba, now Mbangough Kindred of Shangev-Ya in what is today known as Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. His mother was Mama Uwua Akough Gbadwem from Mbagwaza Kindred in the present day Ushongo Local Government Area.

By the way, Warrant Officer David Kôrshima Adagam schooled at St. Augustine School, Lafia, 1950s. This is the same place where the current Tor Kwande HRH Orcivirigh Shagbaor Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer Kur schooled. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1963 and served as a Medical Nurse. He fought in the Nigerian Civil War also known as the Biafran War.

Warrant Officer David Korshima Adagam was also trained at various Military Officer training, within Nigeria.

Kôrshima Adagam served in different capacities as Medical Officer, Enugu Agidi, Nigerian Army, Eastern Region, 1964, Medical Officer, Mokola Barracks, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Western Nigeria Medical Officer, Kafanchan, Kaduna, Northern Region, Medical Officer, Basawa Barracks, Zaria, Kaduna State, Medical Officer, Ojo Cantonment, Lagos State and Nigerian Army Resettlement Center Oshodi, Lagos State, 1991 where he retired voluntarily in the same year.

Warrant Officer David Korshima Adagam died on 30th March, 2004 and was buried on 16th April, 2004.

(We, most kindly acknowledge Andrew Ude for this important update).

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
CAPTAIN NICHOLAS AKAA AGBANDE

Captain Nicholas Akaa Agbande was born in 1952 in Mbayegh, Ukan in what is today known as Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

Akaa Agbande joined the Nigerian Army in 1968 and fought in the Nigerian Civil War also known as the Biafran War. He retired from active service in 1988 at Rukuba Barracks, Jos.

Nicholas Akaa Agbande died on 24 April, 2012 and was buried on 10th May, 2012 in his hometown.

(We, most kindly acknowledge Rev. Godwin Aôndohemba Akaa, his son for this important update).

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
BERNARD GULEYA

Ashir Guleya, popularly known as Bernard Guleya was born 27th November, 1939 to the family of Guleya Byam Zer of Mbashenge, Ugambe, Shangev-Tiev in what is today known as Kônshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. His mother was Mama Deember Anôôkô from Mbasugh in Mbatyav in what is today Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. His father Guleya had over 8 wives. Ashir Guleya went to Primary School and finished in 1958.

Corporal Bernard Ashir Guleya Byam Zer was enrolled into the Nigerian Army on 28th April, 1968 and he fought in the Nigerian Civil War also known as the Biafran War. The Great Soldier died on 28th September, 2017 and was buried 18th November, 2017.

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
COL. JOSEPH AKARHAN AGBO

Col. Joseph Akarhan was born on 12th April 12, 1937 in Gbooko in what is today known as Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. However, his family lineage is from the Agbo Kpire Imbor Akombo of Mbapin, Mbakaange in what is today Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

Joseph Akarhan went to Government College, Keffi and obtained a Cambridge School Certificate from 1952 to 1956; and eventually, he was as an Officer Cadet at the Royal West African Frontier Forces (RWAFF) Training School, Teshi, Ghana from 1957 to 1958 and further went to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom from 1958 to 1960. Akarhan was commissioned on 23rd July, 1960.

More so, Col. Joseph Akarhan was one of the First 30 Nigerian Army Officers in the Nigerian Military. His other colleagues included Major Wellington Umoh Bassey, Lieutenant Yakubu Pam, Second Lieutenant Hassan Katsina, Captain Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, Captain Philip Effiong, Captain Umeh Ogere Imo, Major Samuel Adesoji Ademulegun, Major General Norman Foster, Major Johnson Thomas Umunakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, Major Ralph Adetunji Shodeinde, Captain Zakariya Maimalari, Captain Conrad Nwawo, Captain David Akpode Ejoor, Lieutenant Henry Igboba, Lieutenant George Remu Kurubo, Lieutenant Patrick Anwunah, Lieutenant Louis Ogbonnaya, Lieutenant Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Lieutenant Eyo Ekpo, Lieutenant Arthur Unegbe, Lieutenant Abogo Largema, Lieutenant Hilary Mbilitem Njoku, Second Lieutenant Macaulay Nzefili, Second Lieutenant David Ogunewe, Second Lieutenant Shadrach, Lieutenant Alexander Madiebo, Second Lieutenant Anthony Eze, Lieutenant Yakubu Gowon and Second Lieutenant Sylvanus Nwanjoku.

Akarhan was one of the Greatest Nigerian Soldiers in history such as Wellington Umoh Bassey who was the First Nigerian Commissioned Army Officer, Johnson Thomas Umunakwe Aguiyi Ironsi, who was the First Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, who was lucky to be the Second Military Head of State, Zakariyya Maimalari, who was the First Combatant Soldier of Nigerian Army, Robert Adeyinka Adebayo who became Governor of Western Nigeria, Phillip Effiong who was the Chief of General Staff and later became the Commander in Chief of Biafran Forces, David Ejoor who became Governor of Midwest Nigeria, First Nigerian Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy and later Chief of Army Staff, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu who became Commander in Chief of Biafran Forces, Alexander Madiebo and Hassan Katsina who became the First Military Governor of Northern Nigeria, Chief of Army Staff during the Nigerian Civil War and later Deputy Chief of General Staff Supreme Head Quarters.

Col. Joseph Akarhan Agbo fought in the Nigerian Civil War also known as the Biafran War; and he was appointed Chief of Army Staff in May 1967. He served in the Nigerian Army till he was killed in a helicopter crash on 6th August, 1967. He was said to be succeeded by his colleague and rival Hassan Katsina.

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber +2347065777888
Maik Ortserga +2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
FABIAN TARGEMA IGBAKURA

CPL Fabian Targema was born on 15th July, 1940 in the family of Igbakura Hembe Lyebo Agan of Mbayegh, Shangev-Tiev in what is today known as Kônshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

He studied at RCM Primary School, Gungul and RCM Lyagh and obtained his Year 7 Certificate in 1967. He was enrolled into the Nigerian Army in 1969 and rose to the rank of Army Corporal. Targema fought in the Nigerian Civil War also known as the Biafran War, which ended in 1970.

He retired in 1998. Fabian Targema Igbakura was baptized in the Catholic Church in 1962 while in the Primary School. He married to three wives: Kukor Targema, Ngunengen Targema and Mbapinen Targema. The marriages were blessed with 23 children.

CPL Fabian Targema Igbakura Hembe Lyebo Agan died on 18th June, 2025 and was buried on 1st November, 2025.

(We, most kindly acknowledge Hon. Emmanuel Iorungwa Mase for this important update).

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
JONATHAN ADOKA

Jonathan Tôv Adoka Kwaghbo Zakpe was born 16th June, 1950. His mother Maalu Kyaa from Mbabur, Masev who had 9 children including Mnyamchier, Akase, Atôv, Nenge, Mbawuan Michael Orkaidyu, Kukôr Fabian Igbyakyura, Kpenlun, Kwaghbo.

He schooled at NKST Primary School, Pikka and graduated in 1968. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army 19th June, 1969 and retired 31st July, 1979 in Kaduna. He was in the 2 Brigade Afikpo under Commander B.M. Usman. He was in the army with other Tiv Soldiers like Sgt. Akuraga Aji, Sunday Awanya (Wanya), Hyacinth Ikpur, Peter Mee, Sabastine Yebe, Alexander Akya Swande and Bernard Ashir Guleya.

CPL Jonathan Tôv Adoka is now a farmer in his village Adoka.

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392

WORLD WAR II VETERANS
TAREGH NOR

Ngutswen Taregh Udingi Igba Abese popularly known as Taregh Nor was born on 2nd November 1889 in Mbajôv, Mbaindyer, Mbabur in what is today known as Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. His mother was Mama Aker Nongon from Mbaikyôr, Yônov, in the same Gwer Local Government Area. Taregh Nor was the only child from her mother.

Taregh Nor was enlisted into the Royal British West African Frontier Forces in February, 1942 and fought in the World War II with other Tiv Soldiers like Ata Kpine, Agber Ligôm Ayom, Igyuse Doki, Makir Zakpe, Ornguze Ami, Tilley Gyado and more.

When the Tiv Soldiers were demobilized back to Nigeria in 1946, some of the Veterans went into Tiv Music and Dance such as Gari Kwaghbo, Iorlumun Abee Ikya, Bam Ginde, Jiagwer Adamgbe Atseke, Maza Nomhwange and others. Some of them went into Business such as Tilley Gyado, Akaazua Muemue; and some got involved into Farming, Hunting and other endeavours of life. More so, some were enlisted into the Nigerian Army including Taregh Nor who fought in the Nigerian Civil War and got retired in 1978.

Chief Taregh Nor was a polygamist and his wives included Iava Audu from Shangev-Tiev, Happiness Jack from Omobira in Abia State, Ierve Kpebo from Mbaapen, Injiriv and Msôn Adi from Mbaadinya, Mbakyan still in Injiriv. He died on 11th August, 2021 and was buried on 6th November, 2021.

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber +2347065777888
Maik Ortserga +2347061096392

NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR VETERANS
JONATHAN BUA

Jonathan Akpensôngun Bua Atsea was born on 8th September, 1942 in what is today known as Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

Jonathan Bua was enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 26th March, 1969 with Registration Number 63NA/251143. He was discharged on 30th June, 1992 in Lokoja as Combatant Officer and Instructor. He was in the Army with the likes of his in-law Bernard Guleya, Sunday Wanya and Andrew Ageva among others.

Combatant Officer Bua married Rachael Nguvan Anyiishi Guleya from Shangev-Tiev in what is today Kôndhisha Local Government Area of Benue State and had three children: Zachariah Azer Bua, Terhemba Bua and Sewuese Biagi, with about 18 grand children.

He died on 18th July, 2023 and was buried on 19th August, 2023 at Tse Atsar in Mbazum, Mbaanyam, Ukan.

If you know of any Tiv man who served in the World War I, World War II or the Nigerian Civil War, popularly known as the Biafran War, kindly let us know. Their pictures, short profiles and any other relevant information about them please.

You can contact
Tim Cuttings Agber + 2347065777888
Maik Ortserga + 2347061096392