We Will Not Tolerate Another Igbo Invasion – Itsekiri People Dissociates From Biafra

The Itsekiri people in Warri, Delta state have dissociated themselves from the call and agitation of some Igbo people in the south east for an independent state of Biafra.

Vanguard reports that this was made known on Tuesday, October 27 by Itsekiri Leaders of Thought through a statement by its chairman Pa Johnson Ayomike and secretary, Edward Ekpoko.

The group is against the proposed Biafra republic which it was reported will include the whole of Delta state.

The group emphasized that the unity of Nigeria is its priority and that Biafra ceased to exist.

The statement read: “We recall with pains the day the defunct Biafran Army invaded Warri and Benin in the then Midwest Region on August 9, 1967. Never again will the Itsekiri tolerate such invasion. The Itsekiri nation is committed to the unity of Nigeria and will do all it can to promote and protect it as one indivisible country. As Major General Philip Effiong said on January 14 1970, the Republic of Biafra ceased to exist. We, the Itsekiri, wish it to be eternally so for the peace and development of our great nation.”

The upsurge in the agitation for an independent state of Biafra has increased in recent weeks. Members of the group have planned to confront President Muhammadu Buhari when he visits India.