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Brigadier Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle (1936–2014), “The Black Scorpion”

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Brigadier Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle, born on 26 June 1936 in Kaduna to a Yoruba father and a Bachama mother, remains one of the most controversial and daring figures in Nigeria’s military history. His fearless approach and unrelenting command during the Nigerian Civil War earned him the infamous nickname—“The Black Scorpion.”

A product of the Nigerian Military Training College (now NDA), and later the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, Adekunle’s military career began in earnest during the 1960s—a period of deepening political unrest and ethnic suspicion in Nigeria.

In the early stages of the Civil War (1967–1970), he was appointed commander of the newly formed 3 Marine Commando Division (3MCDO) of the Nigerian Army. This division was tasked with retaking the oil-rich Niger Delta and eastern seaports from Biafran control. It was a brutal campaign through swamps, rivers, and mangrove terrain.

Adekunle’s 3MCDO captured Bonny Island, Calabar, and Port Harcourt in swift succession. His success in these offensives gave the Federal side a strategic upper hand by cutting off Biafra’s access to foreign supplies. His public profile soared—newspapers ran photos of him in dark sunglasses and crisp uniform, while his men sang of their “Black Scorpion” who never lost a battle.

But his methods were harsh. Adekunle was known for ruthless tactics, including economic blockades and aggressive raids. He famously said during the war:

“We shoot at everything, even things that don’t move.”

These remarks—and his sometimes brash public statements—drew both local and international criticism. While some hailed him as a war hero, others viewed him as a symbol of excesses committed during the war.

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In September 1969, in a surprise shake-up, the Federal Military Government replaced Adekunle with Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo as commander of the 3MCDO. He never received another major military appointment. Many believed his popularity—and outspoken nature—had become a threat to the establishment.

He retired from the army in 1974, still holding the rank of Brigadier. For decades, he faded from public life, emerging only occasionally in the press. In later years, he expressed disappointment at being sidelined and claimed he had been denied his rightful recognition.

Adekunle lived his final years quietly in Lagos, battling health issues. He died on 13 September 2014, aged 78.

Though polarising, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle’s name remains etched in the pages of Nigeria’s civil war history—both as a brilliant field tactician and as a lightning rod for wartime controversy. To some, he was the brave general who helped save Nigeria. To others, he embodied the painful cost of unity.

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Lifestyle

Nollywood legend Pete Edochie reveals his favourite Nigerian politician

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1 minute ago

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September 6, 2026

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Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has revealed that former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is his favourite Nigerian politician of all time.

Speaking on a recent episode of Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by content creator BaeU, Edochie explained that Awolowo pioneered several developmental initiatives in Nigeria, including establishing the first television station and introducing free primary education.

He said, regrettably, Awolowo never won a presidential election despite his impressive achievements.

“I am not into politics but if you ask me who is or was my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo will tell you, ‘I’m going to build this thing, it will cost so-and-so amount and this is where I’m going to get the money from.’ There is no politician who has achieved that kind of transparency.

“Awolowo brought television to Nigeria in 1959. It was the first in Africa. And we in the East started using television in 1960. He also introduced free primary education. Regrettably, he never became president,” he said.

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Lifestyle

Why Do Some People Hate Being Corrected?

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20 hours ago

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September 5, 2026

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Some people can accept praise without a problem—but the moment you point out their mistake, everything changes.

You bring facts, they bring anger.

You try to explain, they become defensive.

You calmly point out that they may be wrong, and suddenly you become the problem.

But why?

For some people, being corrected feels like an attack on their intelligence, authority, or pride. Instead of seeing correction as an opportunity to learn, they see it as an attempt to embarrass them.

And let’s be honest: nobody knows everything.

Even intelligent and experienced people make mistakes. The ability to listen, reconsider your position, and admit when you are wrong is not weakness—it is a sign of maturity.

At the same time, correction should be done with respect. There is a big difference between helping someone understand their mistake and deliberately embarrassing them in front of others.

The real question is:

Do people hate being corrected because of pride, or because they genuinely believe they are right?

And another question:

How do you react when someone points out that you are wrong?

👇 Share your opinion in the comments. Let’s have an honest conversation.

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Lifestyle

Parental Trauma vs. Outside Trauma: Which Hurts Children More?

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21 hours ago

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September 5, 2026

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A child can survive many difficult experiences—but what happens when the person causing the pain is the same person they expect to protect them?

This is a question many families may not want to discuss.

Trauma from outsiders can come from bullying, relatives, teachers, friends, or other people. It can damage a child’s confidence and leave emotional scars for years.

But parental trauma can feel different.

When a child repeatedly experiences humiliation, rejection, harsh insults, neglect, constant comparison, fear, or emotional abuse from a parent, the child may begin to question their own worth.

The painful irony is that the child may still desperately want the love and approval of the person hurting them.

But here is where the debate gets complicated:

Is parental trauma always worse than trauma from outsiders?

Or can an experience involving an outsider be just as devastating—or even worse—depending on what happened and how long it lasted?

🔥 THE NEWSBREAK365 QUESTION:

Which one do you think hurts children more?

🔴 PARENTAL TRAUMA
🔵 TRAUMA CAUSED BY OUTSIDERS

Don’t just choose one.

Tell us what you think and explain your reasons. 👇

Someone reading your comment may see their own childhood experience differently.

What do you think?

#NewsBreak365 #ChildhoodTrauma #Parenting #ParentingDebate #FamilyMatters #ChildProtection #MentalHealth #AfricanParents #NigerianParents #LetsTalk

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