Wife of Philip Efiong, Biafra Vice President, Josephine, dies @ 89

The wife of late Major General Philip Efiong, first Vice President, later second President of defunct Republic of Biafra, Josephine, has died at the age of 89 years.

National Daily Newspaper gathered that Josephine Efiong died on May 21, 2024, at 89 – JUNE 29, 1935 – MAY 21, 2024.

Mrs Efiong and Major General Philip Efiong. Credit: Etim/Eyo Nigerian Nostalgia Project

She is survived by an elder sister, seven children, having lost her first son in 2021; also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Josephine Efiong (née Abbott) was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, to a Welsh father and a Nigerian (Ukwuani) mother, from Delta State, but married to Efiong from Akwa Ibom State.

Major General Philip Efiong fought the Nigerian Civil War on the side of Biafra and was second-in-command to the Biafran leader, late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Philip Efiong served in the Nigerian Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in May 1967.