IPOB declares May 30 sit-at-home to honour Biafra heroes

May 12, 2025

—

By Charles Maduka

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has announced a sit-at-home on May 30, 2025.

The group said the day is to remember Biafran men and women who died during the civil war. It said the sit-at-home will be observed every year as a way to honour Biafra’s heroes and heroines.

IPOB said it has informed governors in the South-East and South-South about the plan.

In a statement on Monday, IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the day will include lectures and memorials for Biafran heroes, both in Nigeria and abroad.

He said, “The main event of the remembrance will be on May 30, 2025, called the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day. It is a day for Biafrans to honour those who gave their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s freedom. IPOB has declared it a public holiday with a total lockdown in Biafra land.”

He urged all Biafrans to stay indoors on that day in respect of those who died during the Nigerian civil war. He also called on Biafrans outside the country to hold rallies to demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, who is still in detention.

According to him, “There will be no school, church, market, or public event on that day. Families should stay at home and use the time to remember the war from 1967 to 1970 and the continued suffering of Ndigbo in Nigeria.”

IPOB also said it had contacted WAEC about the lockdown, so exams can be rescheduled. Letters were also sent to governors in the region to notify them of the planned memorial.

To avoid violence, IPOB said there will be no protests in Biafra land or anywhere in Nigeria. Instead, supporters abroad will hold peaceful events in their host countries.

The group said the remembrance includes people like the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen. Philip Efiong, Chief Dr. Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and others who played major roles in the fight for Biafra.

It added that the lockdown will begin from 6 a.m. and end by 6 p.m. Only essential workers like doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, journalists, police, fire service, and fuel station workers will be allowed to move.