“We’re not Idoma” – Igede community pushes to return to ancestral roots in Ogoja

The Igede ethnic group in Benue State has reignited calls for relocation to what they describe as their ancestral homeland — Ogoja, in present-day Cross River State.

In a growing movement gaining momentum across the Obi and Oju Federal Constituencies, the Igede people have expressed a strong desire to exit Benue, citing years of political marginalization and cultural disconnect. The campaign, led by the apex socio-cultural body of the Igede nation, has drawn attention from traditional leaders, youth groups, and community elders.

Speaking during a recent community gathering, Barrister Benjamin Okpa, President General of the Igede National Development Association (INDA), stated that the people have made a collective decision to reunite with their kinsmen in Ogoja Province — a region they say holds deep ancestral significance.

“Our people have suffered marginalization for decades. We’ve contributed to the development of Benue, but our identity continues to be overlooked. It’s time to go home — to where we truly belong,” Okpa said.

Echoing this sentiment, Queen Esther Oga Ero, the royal matriarch of Igede Land, said the movement is not one of protest, but of purpose.

“We’re not just leaving Benue; we are returning to our roots. Our story began in Ogoja. Our culture, our language, and our lineage are tied to that land,” she said.

Community youth leaders say the campaign has received overwhelming support among younger generations, who see the move as an opportunity to reconnect with their cultural origins and secure a more inclusive future.

“This is not just about geography. It’s about legacy. We want our children to grow up in a place where they are not second-class citizens,” said Omale Jonah, a youth spokesperson.

While official response from Benue or Cross River State governments is still pending, the Igede community insists there is no going back.

“We’re not asking for separation. We’re asking for reunion — a return to where we were before borders moved and history shifted,” said Okpa.