The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared a sit-at-home across the South-East and other parts of the country it describes as “Biafra territories” on May 30, 2026, to mark this year’s Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day.
The declaration was made in a statement released on Sunday by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful.
According to the statement, the annual event is meant to honour men and women who died during the Nigerian Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970.
The group also directed residents in the South-East and supporters in other parts of the world to remain indoors throughout the day in memory of those it described as fallen heroes and heroines of Biafra.
IPOB said May 30 remains a day of mourning, reflection and remembrance for people who lost their lives during the war and related incidents over the years.
The group also urged governors in the South-East and other states it considers part of Biafraland to direct that Nigerian flags be flown at half-mast on the day as a sign of respect for victims of the civil war.
In the lengthy statement, IPOB described the planned sit-at-home as a “sacred day” rather than a political protest.
“We, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby solemnly declare 30 May 2026 as a sacred day of remembrance, mourning, reflection, and honour for all Biafran heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price,” the statement partly read.
The group said people who fought for Biafra during the civil war faced hunger, military attacks and international isolation but continued to resist what it called oppression and injustice.
IPOB also remembered civilians who died during the war due to starvation, bombardments and displacement.
The group further made reference to members allegedly killed during previous Biafra remembrance events in Onitsha and Nkpor in Anambra State in 2016.
According to IPOB, all markets, schools, social gatherings and businesses are expected to remain shut during the sit-at-home period.
“This sacred day is not for politics, commerce, entertainment, weddings, burials, meetings, market activities, or social events. It is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, mourning, honour, and national remembrance,” the statement added.
The declaration comes at a time when concerns continue to grow over the economic and security impact of sit-at-home orders in the South-East.
For several years, businesses, transport operators, schools and markets in many parts of the region have suffered losses due to repeated shutdowns linked to pro-Biafra activities and insecurity.
Although IPOB has at different times denied responsibility for some violent enforcement activities associated with sit-at-home orders, residents in parts of the South-East often comply out of fear of attacks.
Security agencies have repeatedly accused criminal groups of hijacking the sit-at-home protests to carry out violence, enforce illegal orders and attack residents who fail to comply.
Over the years, several people have reportedly been killed while vehicles, shops and government facilities have also been destroyed during enforcement operations by armed groups.
Despite criticism from many residents and political leaders in the South-East, IPOB has continued to insist that the annual May 30 remembrance is important to preserve the memory of those who died during the civil war.
The latest declaration is also significant because it is the first Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day since the conviction of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism-related charges by the Nigerian government.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his conviction.
The IPOB leader has remained a central figure in the agitation for the restoration of Biafra, a movement that has generated strong support among some people in the South-East and opposition from the Nigerian government.
The Nigerian Civil War began in July 1967 after the former Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra under the leadership of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The war lasted until January 1970 and remains one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s history.
Millions of people, mostly civilians, reportedly died during the conflict due to fighting, hunger and disease.
Images of starving children from the war attracted global attention and humanitarian concern at the time.
Even decades after the war ended, memories of the conflict and complaints of marginalisation among some groups in the South-East have continued to fuel pro-Biafra agitations.
IPOB emerged as one of the strongest groups pushing for the actualisation of Biafra, especially after the rise of Kanu through his broadcasts on Radio Biafra.
The Nigerian government later proscribed IPOB and declared it a terrorist organisation, an action the group has continued to reject.
In recent years, political leaders, traditional rulers and religious groups in the South-East have repeatedly called for an end to sit-at-home orders, saying the shutdowns are damaging the economy of the region.
Many traders and business owners have complained of heavy losses whenever businesses are forced to close.
Transport activities are also usually affected, while schools and public offices often record low attendance during such periods.
Some governors in the region have also warned against the enforcement of illegal sit-at-home directives and pledged to protect residents willing to go about their normal activities.
However, fear and uncertainty have continued to make compliance high in many communities.
Security agencies are expected to increase surveillance across major cities and roads in the South-East ahead of this year’s May 30 observance.
As the date approaches, attention will again focus on how residents, political leaders and security authorities respond to the latest directive by IPOB.