Girls at War is a short story by Chinua Achebe set during the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War (1967–1970). The story follows the journey of Nwankwo, a government official, and Gladys, a young woman whose life changes drastically due to the war. Through their relationship, Achebe explores the impact of war on individuals, morality, survival, and human transformation. The story presents a tragic yet realistic depiction of how war alters people’s lives and values.

First Encounter: The Patriotic Gladys

Nwankwo, the main character, is a mid-level civil servant working for the Biafran government. His job involves overseeing government programs, and he enjoys certain privileges because of his position. One day, while traveling, he is stopped at a checkpoint by a group of young female officers working as road inspectors. These women are part of the war effort, ensuring that resources and people move according to government regulations.

One of these officers is Gladys, a young woman in uniform who carries herself with authority. She takes her job seriously and is dedicated to Biafra’s war cause. When she stops Nwankwo’s car, she thoroughly inspects his documents, despite knowing he is a government official. Nwankwo is impressed by her beauty and strictness but finds it amusing that she treats him like any other traveler.

After checking his papers, Gladys allows him to pass. Nwankwo drives away, thinking about her confidence and how unusual it is to see women in such roles. At this point, he does not see her as someone important in his life but merely as an interesting character in the war’s chaos.

Second Encounter: A Changed Gladys

Months later, Nwankwo meets Gladys again, but she has changed completely. This time, he sees her at a social event, dressed in expensive clothes and jewelry. She looks elegant and well-fed, which is unusual because most people are struggling with food shortages due to the war.

Gladys is no longer the strict, disciplined officer he met at the checkpoint. She has become part of the social elite, spending time with wealthy and influential men. Nwankwo realizes that she has adapted to the harsh realities of war by associating with powerful people who can provide her with comfort and security. He is surprised but does not question her choices. Instead, he enjoys her company and is drawn to her charm.

They talk about the war and how things have changed. Nwankwo notices that Gladys still believes in Biafra’s cause but has learned to navigate the system for survival. Unlike before, she is no longer just a dedicated officer—she is now a woman who knows how to take advantage of opportunities.

By the end of the evening, Nwankwo invites Gladys to a party, and she agrees. It is clear that their relationship is turning into something more personal.

The Journey and Car Trouble

The next morning, Nwankwo and Gladys leave together in his car. They seem comfortable with each other, enjoying their time despite the war raging around them. However, as they begin their journey, their car refuses to start. The driver, after inspecting the engine, informs Nwankwo that the battery is dead. This frustrates Nwankwo because he had recently paid a large sum of money to replace parts of the battery, which should have lasted for months.

After some effort, the driver manages to get help from neighbors, and they push the car until it finally starts. By this time, they have already been delayed, but they continue their journey.

Picking Up the Wounded Soldier

As they drive, they see a young soldier on the roadside waving for a lift. The soldier is in terrible condition—his uniform is dirty, he is drenched in sweat, and he is missing one of his legs. He is using crude wooden crutches and looks exhausted.

Nwankwo immediately orders the driver to stop and reverse the car to pick up the soldier. The driver is surprised because most people avoid helping wounded soldiers, but he obeys. The soldier gratefully climbs into the car with difficulty and thanks both Nwankwo and Gladys for their kindness.

The soldier tells them that he was injured in battle at Azumini and lost his leg on January 10. Nwankwo tries to comfort him, telling him that everything will be alright and that the government will take care of the soldiers after the war. The soldier simply responds, “I pray God, sir,” showing his doubt but also his hope.

The Bombing Attack

For a while, they continue driving in silence. Then, as they approach a bridge, a sudden cry fills the air: “They have come!” Someone—perhaps the driver, perhaps the soldier—screams in terror.

Immediately, chaos erupts. The sound of bombs fills the sky, and explosions shake the ground. Everyone in the car panics. The driver slams on the brakes, and before the car has even fully stopped, the doors fly open as they all scramble to escape.

Gladys and Nwankwo run toward the bush for cover. As they flee, they hear the wounded soldier calling out: “Please come and open for me!” He is still inside the car and cannot get out because of his missing leg. He needs help.

Gladys hears his cries and stops. Nwankwo, however, is too scared to think. In his panic, he pushes past Gladys and keeps running, shouting at her to follow him instead of going back. Then, another bomb falls.

A massive explosion follows, and everything turns to darkness.

The Aftermath

When Nwankwo regains consciousness, the world around him is destroyed. Smoke fills the air, and the smell of burning flesh and debris is everywhere. He hears voices—people crying, mourning, and calling for help.

He drags himself up, injured but alive, and stumbles toward the noise. From a distance, he sees his driver running toward him, covered in blood and crying. Then, he sees the wreckage of his car. It is completely destroyed, burning, and in ruins.

As he moves closer, he notices the lifeless bodies of Gladys and the soldier, entangled in the wreckage. They did not survive the explosion. The sight is too much for him to bear. He lets out a loud, piercing scream of grief and collapses again.