By Ugo Egbujo
Igbo is the most widely dispersed group in Nigeria. Igbo will suffer the most in a widespread national commotion.
Igbo is the most entrenched group in Nigeria. If Nigeria breaks violently, Igbo will bear the biggest immediate brunt.
Igbo land has the highest human density in Nigeria besides Lagos. If ethnic clashes preclude settlers , Igbo will have more IDPs than any other group. Igbo land would possibly not be enough for returnees.
Igbo has more wealth outside its territory than any other group in Nigeria . If Nigeria becomes Somalia, Igbo would lose more wealth than any other group in Nigeria.
If Nigeria is torn apart violently, Igbo could lose half her wealth. The maths is simple and naked.
From a prudential perspective, Igbos don’t have the luxury other groups have.
If an ethnic cleansing exercise starts in Aba against the Hausa Fulani, I know the quality and quantity you may latch on. If reprisals happen in Kano or kaduna, I know the quality and quantity that would be lost. Igbos can’t win.
Don’t be fooled. You haven’t got back Abandoned properties. You won’t get back burnt houses and shops. You won’t get back lives lost.
Igbos want a better Nigeria. Other groups sre not happy too. Igbos can’t champion destabilization. Igbos can’t make themselves targets again.
Igbos can’t and don’t want another war. Biafra is a last resort. Igbos are not desperately seeking a place of refuge now.