In response to a recent video by self-proclaimed Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide, has clearly stated that the Ijaw people are not associated with Biafra.
The IYC has strongly advised Ekpa and other Biafra supporters to stay away from the Niger Delta region, emphasizing that the Ijaw community has no ties to Biafra.
According to a statement released on Friday by the national spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill, the IYC firmly opposes any assertions suggesting that Ijaw territories belong to Biafra.
The statement addressed Ekpa’s video, where he claimed that Ijaws are part of the Biafran State, and expressed concern over such claims.
Princewill stated, “We, the Ijaw people, do not accept any irresponsible remarks insinuating that our territories are part of Biafra. We will not tolerate such misrepresentations.”
Referring to Ekpa’s mention of the Okuama attack and subsequent military actions in Ijaw communities, the IYC emphasized that the Ijaw region is distinct from Biafra.
“Our historical figure, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, who championed minority rights, established the ‘Niger Delta Republic’ before the Biafra declaration. We, the Ijaw people, stand as Nigerians in the Niger Delta, with no affiliation to the Biafran movement,” the statement further clarified.
The IYC concluded by informing the Nigerian government and military that the mentioned areas are not part of Biafra and that any potential military incursions will not be tolerated in Ijaw territories.