The Igala Youth Council (IYC) has strongly condemned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for listing the Igala nation as part of the proposed “United States of Biafra.” The IYC’s stance was made clear during an emergency meeting held on December 1, 2024, in response to a viral video in which IPOB outlined its vision for a 40-state Biafran nation.
In a statement, the IYC’s National Publicity Secretary, Michael Achor Joshua, criticized IPOB for failing to consult the Igala people, emphasizing that the Igala nation firmly rejects any inclusion in IPOB’s secessionist agenda. “We were not invited to any discussions, nor do we support IPOB’s ambitions. Our focus is on achieving good governance within the Nigerian state, not being drawn into what we consider madness,” Joshua declared.
The IYC urged all Igala people worldwide to ignore IPOB’s claims and continue with their lawful pursuits. The council stressed that the Igala nation remains committed to the unity and development of Nigeria.
IPOB’s inclusion of the Igala nation has sparked widespread controversy. The group, which advocates for the secession of the Southeast and other regions from Nigeria, has faced criticism for its disruptive tactics, including the imposition of a weekly “sit-at-home” order that has adversely affected the economy and daily life in the Southeast.
The IYC’s statement reflects growing resistance to IPOB’s secessionist agenda, with the council reiterating its commitment to national unity and peace.