Biafra News Research and Analysis about the Region

Get the latest Biafra news update about the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by detained Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has cautioned friends, lovers of Biafra freedom, traditional rulers and presidents. Find all about the Biafran region here. 

The Biafra News Update

After more than a million people had died, largely from starvation, the Biafran War ended in 1970. But despite this, the southern parts of Nigeria continue to hear loud cries for secession.

The horrific Biafran war in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of over a million people.

The three-year war may have ended in 1970, but its consequences continue to this day, and the Igbo people’s home region in the country’s oil-rich southeast continues to face secession calls.

Many claims that after the conflict in 1970, the government neglected to invest in the southeast, hindering development. Some consider it as retribution for the war.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is Still the Leader of Biafra

On Tuesday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) reaffirmed Nnamdi Kanu as their leader. IPOB said this in response to the rumour that Mazi Chika Edoziem had taken Kanu’s place.

They labelled the report as “manufactured media propaganda” by the organisation in response. In a statement made on Tuesday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful stated that Edoziem is the head of the IPOB Directorate of State and not the IPOB Acting Leader.

What Happened to Biafra?

In May 1967, the secessionist western African nation of Biafra unilaterally proclaimed its independence from Nigeria. 

It made up the former Eastern Region of Nigeria and was primarily populated by Igbo (Ibo) individuals. In January 1970, Biafra’s existence as a sovereign nation ended.

How Many Igbos Died in the Biafra War?

Between 8,000 and 30,000 Igbos and easterners have been estimated to have been killed.

1966 Anti-Igbo pogrom
Date	1966
Target	Igbos and other easterners
Attack type	Pogrom
Deaths	8,000 to 30,000

Who Created Biafra?

Background. The Igbo, Ijaw, Efik, and Ibibio peoples, to name a few, were among those that made up the Independent Multi-Ethnic Republic of Biafra, which was established by Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu from 1967 to 1970.

How did the Name Biafra Originate?

Biafra’s name is derived from the Igbo words “bia” (which means “come”) and “fra” (take). It is a term frequently used by the West African Igbo tribe, with whom they were afterwards associated. 

Therefore, Biafra is an ancient kingdom dominated by the Igbo-speaking people of the West African sub-region.

Who is the New Biafra Leader?

Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, a British-Nigerian political activist, was born on September 25, 1967, and supports Biafra’s separation from Nigeria and independence. He created the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2014, and is its leader.

When Was Nnamdi Kanu Arrested?

Nnamdi Kanu, the head of the Indigenous People of Biafra, was imprisoned by the federal government beginning on June 19, 2021. When Kanu was detained, he was in Kenya. He later travelled back to Nigeria to continue his trial.

How IPOB Started?

Leadership. Nnamdi Kanu, who holds dual citizenship with Nigeria and the United Kingdom, is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. 

After originally becoming well known for his broadcasts on Radio Biafra, which was founded in 2009, he formed IPOB.

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