According to a professor of government at the University Texas, Austin, who specializes in Nigerian politics, the Owan are a small minority tribe in the northeastern part of Edo state (11 Feb. 1997). The Owan speak the Afemai language, which is related to the Edo language (ibid.).

The professor stated that because they are a very small community, the Owan are "politically insignificant,"and that he was not aware of any conflict between the Owan and the current government (ibid.). This information could not be corroborated by other sources available to the DIRB.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Professor of Government, University of Texas, Austin. 11 February 1997. Telephone interview.

Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1995. 1996.

Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. Bimonthly.

New African [London]. Monthly.

West Africa [London]. Weekly.

On-line search on NEXIS database.