The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a total sit-at-home across Nigeria’s Southeast on May 30 to commemorate Biafra Heroes Memorial Day, enforcing a region-wide shutdown of businesses, schools, transport, and public activities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The annual event honors those killed during the 1967–1970 Nigeria-Biafra Civil War and subsequent pro-Biafra agitations, with IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful describing the lockdown as a “solemn act of remembrance” for fallen heroes.
In a Monday statement, Powerful mandated residents to stay indoors, permitting only emergency services. Markets, churches, social gatherings, and vehicular movement will be prohibited to prevent chaos, citing past incidents where “miscreants exploited the day for violence.” IPOB has also petitioned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to reschedule exams slated for May 30 to avoid penalizing students.
The group urged its global members to organize peaceful protests and town halls, calling on international bodies to pressure Nigeria’s government to release detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. However, it cautioned against on-ground protests in the Southeast to avert clashes with security forces, emphasizing compliance to avoid crackdowns.
The commemoration will include broadcasts and symbolic activities, reaffirming IPOB’s push for self-determination.
