Renowned Nigerian musician, Timaya, has opened up about the deep personal impact of the 1999 Odi massacre in Bayelsa State, describing it as a tragic event orchestrated by the Nigerian Army under direct orders from the government.
Speaking during a recent interview, the award-winning artist reflected on the devastating military invasion of Odi, which resulted in widespread destruction and the loss of numerous lives.
The attack, which took place during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, remains one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s history of civil-military relations.
A Personal Tragedy
Timaya, whose real name is Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon, shared how the massacre was not just a national tragedy but also a personal ordeal for him and his family. According to him, his mother operated a bakery in Odi, which was a vital source of livelihood for the local community before it was destroyed during the attack.
“It [Odi] was part of me too, because my mum had a bakery in the village and was supplying the whole villages… It was the village that was attacked,” Timaya said emotionally.
He expressed his sorrow over the destruction of lives, property, and history, accusing the government of issuing a ruthless directive that led to the military action.
“It’s very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things, and history. You know when the government just says, ‘Go and shoot these people down,’” he added.
Musical Protest and Public Recognition
In 2007, Timaya channeled his grief and anger into his breakout single, ‘Dem Mama’, which vividly narrated the harrowing events of the Odi massacre. The song struck a chord with millions of Nigerians and catapulted him into stardom, earning him widespread recognition as a socially conscious artist.
“I sang about it [the massacre]. That is the most I can do. I told the story—how they sent the military to burn down the village. I narrated my story, and it helped me to make an impact.”
The song’s powerful message and Timaya’s fearless expression earned him the honorary title of Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa State, which he describes as a testament to his role as a voice for the voiceless.
“I became the voice, which they gave me the title of the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa State. That is the mouthpiece of the people.”
Background: What Happened in Odi?
The Odi massacre occurred in November 1999 when Nigerian soldiers invaded the town of Odi in Bayelsa State following the killing of 12 policemen by suspected militants. The military operation led to the near-total destruction of the town, with numerous civilians reportedly killed and most of the community’s infrastructure reduced to rubble.
Despite years of advocacy and calls for justice, the full number of casualties remains disputed, and no government official has been held directly accountable.
