IPOB Declares Biafra Territories Extend to Edo, Kogi, Cross River, and Bayelsa States

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated that Biafra’s territories extend beyond the five southeastern states of Nigeria to include parts of Edo, Kogi, Cross River, and Bayelsa states. The group made this statement on Saturday in response to criticism from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Igala Youth Council, which had condemned the inclusion of their regions in IPOB’s secessionist plans.

PANDEF and the Igala Youth Council rejected IPOB’s territorial claims, with PANDEF warning against including Niger Delta communities in Biafra’s proposed map. Similarly, the Igala Youth Council described IPOB’s claims, including a viral video outlining plans for a 40-state Biafran nation, as laughable and far-fetched.

Reacting to the criticism, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, dismissed the statements as “pathetic and laughable,” asserting that ancient Igboland spans 13 Nigerian states, including areas now in the Niger Delta and parts of Kogi.

He explained that the gerrymandering of borders during Nigeria’s political restructuring had divided Igboland into non-Igbo states, but IPOB remains determined to reunite these territories under Biafra through a peaceful and democratic process.

“For the thousandth time, we wish to make it abundantly clear that ancient Igboland spans 13 states of Nigeria,” said Emma Powerful. He accused Nigeria’s political leaders and colonial influences of deliberately creating a false impression that Igboland is confined to the Southeast.

Emma Powerful emphasized that IPOB’s vision for Biafra is rooted in democracy and the will of the people. He assured that no ethnic group or community would be forced to join Biafra without their consent, which would be determined through a United Nations-supervised referendum, similar to the process that led to the independence of South Sudan.

“Our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has repeatedly said that no ethnic group, tribe, or clan will be forced to become part of Biafra,” he stated. “Biafra shall be a model nation founded along the principles of confederacy, with the consent of the people expressed through a referendum.”

Addressing PANDEF and the Igala Youth Council, IPOB urged these groups to wait for the referendum to decide their allegiance. Emma Powerful also highlighted historical connections, citing the Igala heritage among some communities in Anambra State, as evidence of longstanding ties between the regions IPOB claims as part of Biafra.

He further stated IPOB’s commitment to a peaceful path to freedom, declaring, “Biafra is a project ordained by Almighty God Himself, and no amount of lies, deceit, or persecution will deter us from this mission.”