History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Ibere Town in Abia State

 
Ibere is a clan situated in the eastern region of Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria. It shares borders with Oboro to the west, Bende to the north, Isuogu (comprising Ariam/Usaka and Oloko) to the south, and Itumbauzo and Nkari (a clan in Ini LGA, Akwa Ibom State) to the east. As one of the 18 Igbo clans of the Old Bende Division, Ibere is classified within the Ohuhu-Ngwa cluster of the Southern Igbo area by Forde and Jones. 

##Origin
The origins of the Ibere people are traced back to a place known as Okwa Ankasi, though its exact location remains uncertain. Traditionally, Okwa Ankasi is indicated by a gesture towards the west and south, suggesting a southwestern origin across the Imo River. However, some accounts from neighboring Oboro indicate that Okwa Ankasi might have been situated to the east or southeast. The Isuogu, Oboro, and Eastern Ngwa communities are collectively referred to as Okwa by other Igbo groups. 

Historical narratives suggest that the Ibere people relocated to their current location following conflicts that displaced them from their previous settlement. The initial settlers established themselves near the present-day Orie Market (Ahia Orie), from which they dispersed to form the existing villages. Obinyang is recognized as the oldest village in the clan, founded by Okenye, who moved there from Ahia Orie shortly after his arrival. The migration from Okwa Ankasi occurred over time, with founders of some villages possibly originating from larger settlements within the clan. According to accounts from the Oboro people, the earliest Ibere settlers came from various Oboro villages, including Mbinyang (Isiala Ibere), Umuemenike from Mbiopong (Isiala Oboro), Iyialu, Ihim, and Umuru from Amawom, Nkalunta and Iberenta from Ndoro, Inyila and Obuohia from Umugbalu, Amuro from Amaoba, Elemaga from Okwe, Mbubo from Nnono, and Ekebedi. The origins of Itunta and Obuoru are partly linked to Asaga and partly to Ibibio (Itu). This historical account is supported by the similarities in customs between Ibere and Oboro, indicating a shared origin. 

##Cultural Practices
The Ibere people, like their neighboring communities, celebrate the Ekpe festival annually in January. They dress in attire similar to other Igbo groups and speak the Igbo language, albeit with distinct differences. Their cuisine shares similarities with those of the Igbo and Ibibio peoples. Consistent with other Igbo communities, Ibere operates as an acephalous society, lacking a centralized leadership structure. 

##Villages within Ibere
The Ibere clan comprises several villages, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the community. The villages include:

Amuro

Elemaga

Iberenta

Ihim

Inyila

Isiala

Itunta

Iyalu

Nkalunta

Ngwugwo

Obuohia

Obuoru

Umuemenike

Umulu