Where Are Ndi Igbo From?

Ndi Igbo are those indigenous tribes found in present day, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states. Igbos are also found in Rivers and Delta states.   

Ndi igbo are highly mobile. There is a thriving igbo population all over the world, there is a sizable concentration of Ndi Igbo in Equatorial Guinea.

Origin of Ndi Igbo: There are about 5 popular theories about the origin of ndi igbo. Of these 5, the most popular and widely cited, is the Nri version.

According to this version, Eri, descended from the sky and sailed down the River Anambra.   

This myth has been debunked and countered with the narrative that, Eri is from Egypt and sailed with his companions to Ezu and Omambala (Anambra) Rivers, located in present-day Aguleri, where, according to oral tradition, they settled and started moving into the hinterland and their children settled in other parts of present day Igbo land.

2.Awka or Orlu version of Igbos’ history Read more: Another story claims Awka or Orlu towns were the ancestral homes of the Igbo before they dispersed to other areas.

3. The Idah version of the origin of Igbos Some Igbo dialects, like the Umunri, believe they migrated from Idah to their present locations.

4. The Niger-Congo story about the Igbos: Archaeological findings dated around 2500 BCE imply that Igbos practised pottery, and genetic research showed that the tribe is closely related to Niger-Congo-speaking peoples.

5. The Benin story about the Igbo history The Onitsha and the Igbo of the River Niger claim they came from Benin. Oba and Alaafin palaces are in most parts of Igboland.