Colonel Anthony Ochefu

Late Colonel Anthony Aboki Ochefu, was a Military Governor of East Central State, from July 1975 to February 1976, during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed.

During the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 – 1970, Ochefu was tasked with clearing Biafran troops from the riverine areas of the Midwest, taking Koko, Sapele, and Warri, before exploring northwards, to link up with Lt. Col. Murtala Mohammed’s 2nd Division. His battalion was then used as a spearhead in the seaborne landing and capture of Creek Town

Colonel Ochefu was Provost Marshall when he was one of the leaders of the coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon on July 29th, 1975.

As a Christian, he played an important role in involving Middle Belt officers in the planned coup.

Ochefu played an important role of pulling off the coup centered on the Army Headquarters, Dodan Barracks. Immediately after the coup, he was appointed Governor of East Central State.

After General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated on 13th February 1976, Chief Of Staff, Olusegun Obasanjo became Military Head Of State. Obasanjo fired or retired 215 Officers. Ochefu, ostensibly was fired for his conduct before the coup as Commanding Officer of the Lagos Garrison.

Ochefu was shot dead at a petrol station at Oturkpo, Benue State on 25th November, 1999.

May his soul continue to rest in peace.

Picture taken circa 1970

Excerpts of article – Idoma Voice

P. S: Reports here, have it that he was actually removed from office, by Murtala Mohammed and not Obasanjo, and replaced by Atom Kpera.