The Niniji Nupe Development Association (NNDA), a socio-cultural organization representing the Nupe people of Kogi East—commonly referred to as Bassa-Nge—has strongly rejected any attempt to incorporate their community into the proposed Okura State. The proposal, championed by the Igala people, has drawn stiff opposition from the NNDA, which views the move as an attempt to marginalize and subjugate their people further.
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s National President, Barr. Abdulaleem Haruna, and its National Publicity Secretary, Pharm. Gabriel Gambo Nmadu, the NNDA made it clear that the Bassa-Nge people were neither consulted nor had they given their consent to be included in the proposed state. They described the move as unacceptable and an infringement on their identity.
According to the statement, the Bassa-Nge people predominantly reside in the Bassa-Nge District of Bassa Local Government Area in Kogi State, with strong ancestral ties extending across the Niger and Benue rivers into Lokoja and Ajaokuta LGAs. The group emphasized their deep-rooted connection with the broader Nupe ethnic group, which is historically spread across Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Even if we had been consulted, we would have categorically stated our firm resolve to remain united with our Nupe brothers and sisters across these regions. Rivers should not be viewed as natural boundaries justifying political separation. Many states and communities in Nigeria coexist across water bodies without such barriers defining their political alignments. Kogi State itself is situated on both banks of the Niger River, just as Rivers and Bayelsa States share water boundaries while maintaining their internal unity. Similarly, River Benue does not divide North Bank from Makurdi in Benue State, nor does River Kaduna split Kaduna State. Even Lagos, like many global capital cities, has rivers running through it without affecting its administrative cohesion,” the statement read.
The NNDA called upon the National Assembly, its Committees on State Creation, the Kogi State House of Assembly, and other relevant authorities to respect their people’s position and ensure their exclusion from any discussions or proposals related to Okura State.
Furthermore, the group highlighted concerns over what they described as long-standing socio-political marginalization in Kogi East. They noted that all the non-Igala ethnic groups in the region—including the Bassa-Komu, Igbira, Ibaji, Igbo, and Hausa communities—collectively constitute just about 15% of the Igala population. This demographic imbalance, they argued, puts them at risk of perpetual socio-economic and political subjugation should they be forced into Okura State.
As a result, the NNDA issued a firm declaration:
“We, the good people of Bassa-Nge District in Bassa LGA of Kogi State, are NOT in support of the creation of Okura State and must be immediately removed from all maps or proposals considering our inclusion.”
The group also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, political representatives, and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in preserving the unity and integrity of the Nupe people in Kogi State.
Reaffirming their dedication to peace and development, the NNDA insisted that any state creation initiative must be based on fairness, inclusivity, and respect for historical and cultural ties. They concluded by emphasizing their commitment to ensuring their people are not forcefully absorbed into an arrangement that does not reflect their will or identity.
