Gideon Orkar
Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar (?- July 27 1990) was a Nigerian military officer who staged a violent coup against the government of General Ibrahim Babangida on April 22, 1990. Orkar and his conspirators seized the FRCN radio station, various military posts around Lagos and the Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the military headquarters and presidential residence. Babangida was present when the barracks were attacked but managed to escape by a back route.[1]
In his coup address, amongst other things Orkar called for the consideration of an excision of five northern states.[2] However, the coup was crushed by the Babangida regime and Orkar was executed for his role.
Background and education
Gideon Orkar was a Tiv who hailed from Benue State. He was born in Gwer Local Government in Benue State. He attended Gindiri Boys High School, Plateau State and joined the army in 1972 as cadet no 682.[3] He started his officer cadet training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna with the 12th Regular Combatant Course.[4] He was commissioned in December 1974 in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps School in Ibadan. [4]
Military career
In 1986, he attended the senior Officers Course 9 at the Command and Staff College, Jaji. He also served as commander of Saki Armoured Barracks in Oyo State. He was part of the Nigerian contingent sent to Chad and later served in the 22 Armoured Brigade. His last posting prior to the April 1990 coup was as a member of the Directing Staff of the Command and Staff College, Jaji.[4]
Death
Major Orkar and 41 other conspirators were convicted of treason[5] and executed by firing squad on July 27 1990 by the government of General Ibrahim Babangida.[6]
References
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- ↑ African concord. (1990). The Coup Major, May 7, 1990. Concord Press of Nigeria
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