Irish priest Dermot Doran who helped thousands of Biafrans dies at 88

Irish priest Dermot Doran, who dedicated his life to assisting thousands of Biafrans, particularly the Igbo-speaking people in South-East Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 88.

Father Dermot Doran, the Irish priest who devoted himself to helping thousands of Biafrans, mainly the Igbo-speaking community in South-East Nigeria, has passed away. He breathed his last on May 19 at the age of 88.

Throughout his life, he played a crucial role in the Biafran airlift, which delivered 60,000 tons of aid to the people in southeastern Nigeria. His dedication and efforts made him a linchpin of one of the most significant civilian humanitarian endeavors in history.

Mr. Doran initially arrived in Nigeria in 1961 after his ordination as a member of the Holy Ghost Fathers, a Roman Catholic congregation also known as the Spiritans. In Nigeria, the congregation had a strong presence, especially in the Christian-majority South-East region, where the Igbo population predominantly resides.

Over time, he developed a deep affection for Nigeria and its Igbo culture, appreciating the richness of its storytelling traditions.

Sadly, Mr. Doran’s passing due to myelodysplastic syndromes, a rare form of blood cancer, was not widely reported when it occurred.

The Biafran airlift, led by Father Doran and others, marked a significant turning point in the history of international humanitarianism. It was an unprecedented event where non-profit organizations and private citizens took the lead in responding to a crisis. Although the airlift received quiet support from some countries, like the United States and Israel, there was no official government approval for the operation.

The Biafran war eventually came to an end in 1970 when Nigeria successfully defeated the breakaway region and expelled most European missionaries, including Father Dermot Doran.