IPOB Declares May 30 Sit-at-Home to Honor Biafra Heroes
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a 12-hour sit-at-home order across Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South on May 30, 2025, in commemoration of Biafra Heroes Memorial Day.
The annual event is held to honor those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and subsequent pro-Biafra agitations.
In a statement released on Monday by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group directed all residents in the affected regions to observe a total lockdown from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
According to the statement, the sit-at-home is mandatory and aims to pay tribute to those who “battled and perished” in the Nigerian civil conflict.
“Biafrans residing in Biafra land should observe a lockdown to pay tribute to those who battled and perished in the Nigerian genocidal war against Biafra,” the statement read.
IPOB noted that only essential workers, including medical personnel, journalists, ambulance drivers, police, firefighters, and fuel station operators, would be exempt from the directive.
All businesses, schools, markets, religious services, and public gatherings are expected to remain closed during the 12-hour period.
In anticipation of the lockdown’s impact on academic activities, IPOB disclosed that it has reached out to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to request adjustments to the May/June Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) schedule. This is to ensure that students in the affected regions are not disadvantaged.
The group also urged its members abroad to organize peaceful demonstrations, town hall meetings, and other commemorative activities in their host countries as part of the memorial.
IPOB, however, cautioned against holding protests within Nigeria to avoid potential confrontations with security forces.
Additionally, the group reiterated its demand for the immediate release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, calling on international human rights organizations to pressure the Nigerian government to respect his rights.
This year’s commemoration will be preceded by a month-long series of broadcasts and memorial programs by Radio Biafra and IPOB’s media team.
These broadcasts are intended to educate and unite supporters ahead of the main event.
IPOB emphasized the importance of discipline and unity during the memorial, urging all Biafrans to remain indoors and reflect on the sacrifices made for their cause.
IPOB’s annual sit-at-home orders have historically been met with mixed reactions, with some residents complying out of fear of potential violence, while others have criticized the approach for disrupting daily life and economic activities.
Security agencies are expected to be on high alert as the date approaches, given the history of tensions surrounding similar directives in previous years.
