The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has made bold claims about the extent of ancient Igboland.
According to IPOB, the territory of the Igbo people historically spans 13 Nigerian states, a declaration that has sparked fresh debates.
The group, led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stated that this fact is indisputable.
In a statement issued by Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, the group stressed that Biafra is open to all willing to join its cause.
“This is not about areas currently occupied by Igbo-speaking people,” the statement read.
“It is about ancient Igboland, where Igbo people have lived for centuries.”
The group condemned what it called the political manipulation of borders within Igboland.
IPOB described this as a calculated effort to diminish the geographical influence of the Igbo people.
They vowed to challenge this “hate-inspired gerrymandering” until the truth is globally recognized.
The group emphasized that their goal is a United Nations-supervised referendum to decide Biafra’s future.
“No ethnic group, tribe, or clan will ever be forced to join Biafra,” IPOB assured.
They clarified that Biafra would function as a confederacy, modeled after nations like Switzerland and the UAE.
This governance structure, IPOB explained, would ensure inclusion and democratic consent.
The group also dismissed a recent “declaration” in Finland as an attempt to undermine their legitimate cause.
IPOB labeled the declaration a “shameless attempt to discredit” the struggle for Biafran independence.
The statement described the event as a “joke staged by detractors.”
According to IPOB, those behind it elevated an individual to “prime minister” from a small apartment in Finland.
“All those in power who sponsored this should be ashamed,” IPOB declared.
They accused the sponsors of using the incident to tarnish IPOB’s global reputation.
The group said the individual behind the Finland declaration had never even set foot in Biafraland.
“This buffoon has made a mockery of himself and his sponsors,” IPOB stated.
They urged the public not to view IPOB’s legitimate agitation through the lens of such events.
IPOB also responded to statements from PANDEF and certain Igala groups.
These groups had recently dissociated themselves from Biafra.
IPOB described such statements as “pathetic but laughable.”
The group reaffirmed that ancient Igboland’s historical boundaries are non-negotiable.
They emphasized that no one would be coerced into joining Biafra.
IPOB reiterated its dedication to achieving Biafra’s independence through peaceful and lawful means.
“No amount of subterfuge, deceit, or persecution will derail us,” Emma Powerful stated.
The group criticized attempts to use violence or propaganda to undermine their mission.
They urged those spreading falsehoods to be cautious in their utterances.
IPOB’s statement concluded with a strong reaffirmation of their goals.
“The genuine agitation for Biafra is alive and well,” the group declared.
