The Indigenous People of Biafra has declared a total sit-at-home across the South-East and parts of the South-South on Thursday, May 30, 2025.
The group said this is to honour men and women who lost their lives during the Biafran War and in the fight for Biafra’s freedom. It described the day as a yearly memorial to remember Biafra’s heroes and heroines.
In a statement on Monday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the lockdown would last from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will affect schools, markets, religious centres, and public gatherings.
“May 30th is Biafra Heroes Memorial Day,” the statement said. “It is a day for Biafrans to honour those who died in the struggle for our freedom. There will be a total lockdown in Biafra land that day. Everyone should stay indoors.”
He added, “There will be no schools, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public gatherings. Just stay at home, reflect with your family, and remember the people who gave their lives for Biafra.”
IPOB also said that there will be lectures and events held by its members in other countries to mark the day and call for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is still in detention.
“All IPOB members in different countries must organise events and get permits to protest the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Emma Powerful stated.
The group also said it had written to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to shift the date of any exams planned for that day, so that students can take part in the memorial.
Letters have also been sent to governors in the South-East and South-South to inform them of the lockdown.
IPOB warned that there will be no protests in Nigeria on that day, to avoid violent confrontations with security officers. However, Biafrans living abroad will be allowed to protest or hold town hall meetings.
“No protest will happen in Nigeria to avoid violence by Nigerian security forces,” the group said. “Biafrans outside the country will gather in their host countries to honour our heroes and ask for Biafra’s freedom.”
Emma Powerful also paid respect to Biafran leaders, saying, “We will honour our fallen heroes and heroines, including our great leader, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen. Phillip Efiong, Chief Dr. Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and many others who stood for our people.”
He said the only people allowed to move around on May 30 will be essential workers such as doctors, nurses, journalists, ambulance drivers, police, fire service workers, and fuel station workers.
According to IPOB, May 30 is now a special public holiday every year in Biafra land.
“We care about the safety of Ndigbo. That is why we have found peaceful ways to continue honouring our heroes without risking the lives of our people,” the group said.
