The people of the Eastern Senatorial District of Kogi State, who spoke through the Igala Youth Council, condemned the declaration of what they termed faceless individuals who are trying to cast the Igala nation as enemies of a sovereign state like Nigeria.

In a strong statement after an emergency meeting on December 1, 2024, the group noted that the viral video of IPOB outlining its plans for a 40-state Biafran nation was not only laughable but a joke taken too far.

The group’s national publicity secretary, Michael Achor Joshua, in a statement emphasised that the Igala nation was neither consulted nor invited to discuss this proposal and therefore rejects its inclusion in IPOB’s secessionist agenda.

He stressed that the Igala nation demands good governance for all its people within the Nigerian nation, rather than being dragged into IPOB’s “madness.”

His words: “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.”

Joshua called on Igalas within and outside the country to ignore the claim from IPOB that they are now part of them.

He admonished them to go about their lawful business as they remain committed to the cause of one Nigeria.