The Igala Youth Council has distanced itself and its people from being referred to as one of the states in the United States of Biafra by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as declared in Finland in November, 2024.
The Igala Youth Council advised IPOB not to drag the Igala nation into its madness and condemned the proscribed separatist group for incorporating them into the declared “United States of Biafra” without their consent.
In a statement issued on Monday and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, by the National Publicity Secretary, Michael Joshua, he emphasised that the consent of Igala people was never sought and therefore, rejected IPOB’s attempt to include them in their secessionist agenda.
“This strong stance was taken during an emergency meeting held on December 1, 2024, in response to a viral video outlining IPOB’s plan for a 40-state Biafran nation.
“The Igala nation demands good governance for all its people within the Nigerian nation, rather than being dragged into IPOB’s madness.
“It’s worth noting that IPOB’s actions have been a subject of controversy, with some viewing their agitation as a legitimate cry for self-determination, while others see it as a threat to national unity.
“The group’s methods, including the imposition of a weekly ‘sit-at-home’ order, have been criticised for their disruptive impact on the economy and daily life in the Southeast region.”
The council leadership urged the Igala at home and in the diaspora to dismiss the claim from the IPOB group and go about their lawful business in Nigeria.
