We Faced Ethnic Cleansing In Delta State, Forced To Deny Being Igbos—Sen. Nwoko

The people of Anioma in Delta have been called upon to fully embrace their Igbo identity and join hands with their eastern brothers in building a stronger and more united Nigeria.

The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Prince Ned Nwoko, made the call in Asaba while addressing participants at the conference organised by Igbo Unification Movement in collaboration with the Ndi na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation, with the theme “Igbo Bu Ofu” (Igbos are One) in Asaba.

The Igbo Unification Movement and Ndi na Asu Bia have in recent years become strong advocacy platforms championing the cultural, historical, and political unity of Igbo-speaking communities across Nigeria, including Anioma (Delta north senatorial district), Igbanke in Edo, and other border areas.

The groups argue that reclaiming a collective Igbo identity is crucial to political strength, cultural revival, and correcting decades of identity distortion.

Speaking at the event, Senator Nwoko commended the organisers for their courage and vision, noting that their efforts align with his long-standing philosophy on Anioma identity and the need for an Anioma State carved out of Delta North.

“There is no argument about our Igbo-ness. I understand history very well. I have a degree in history. I know the migration of the Igbo people, and I know clearly that we, the Anioma, are Igbo. Time has come for us to reverse the old narratives that separated us from our brothers across the Niger,” Nwoko declared.

The lawmaker, who recently sponsored a motion for the creation of Anioma State in the National Assembly, said the agitation is not about politics or personal ambition but about correcting historical imbalances.

This is not about APC, PDP, or Labour Party. It is about identity, justice, and fairness. I have no interest in being governor, but I want Anioma to stand tall with its own state, with Asaba as its capital. That way, we also fulfill the dream of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which has always recognized Anioma as one of the Igbo states,” he said.

Nwoko also recalled his childhood experience during the Nigerian Civil War when Anioma communities faced ethnic cleansing and were compelled to deny their Igbo identity to survive.

He said the lingering identity crisis from that era must now give way to truth and reconciliation.

He further praised academics and activists, including Professor Abigail Ogwezzy of the University of Lagos, whose research on Anioma linguistics and history has shed light on the people’s Igbo roots.

Highlighting the wider significance of the gathering, Nwoko said:

“The Igbo man is Igbo everywhere, whether from Delta, Imo, or Abia. Just like a Chinese man remains Chinese anywhere in the world, Anioma must rise to embrace its identity. That is the only way we can achieve unity and political relevance.”

The senator urged the Igbo Unification Movement, Ndi na Asu Bia, and other cultural organizations to continue their advocacy, education, and mobilization, stressing that only through such collective effort can the dream of a united Igbo nation and the creation of Anioma State be realised.