The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a “total lockdown” across the south-east and parts of the south-south on May 30, 2025, in honour of its fallen heroes.
A statement on Monday by Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said the date has been designated as Biafra Heroes Memorial Day, set aside to remember those who died in the struggle for Biafra’s liberation.
He said the sit-at-home directive, which will run from 6 am to 6 pm, is compulsory for all “Biafrans residing in Biafra land” and would serve as a day of reflection and tribute.
“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, while Biafrans fought for our independence,” the statement reads.
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“We need to commemorate them by spending one day indoors. We urge all Biafrans and every advocate of freedom in Biafra Land to comply with this one-day lockdown directive on May 30, 2025.
“All IPOB family members in their various countries must organise and obtain permits to demonstrate against the unlawful imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.”
The statement added that only essential workers like doctors, nurses, journalists, ambulance drivers, police, firefighters, and fuel workers will be allowed to go out.
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“There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind,” the statement reads.
“Simply stay inside and enjoy television and videos with your family while contemplating the memories and the genocide inflicted upon Biafrans from 1967 to the present day. It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the Biafran genocidal war from 1967 to 1970 and the ongoing victimisation, destruction, and marginalisation of the Ndigbo within Nigeria.”
The spokesperson said IPOB has contacted the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to inform them of the lockdown directive so they can modify the May/June SSCE exams schedule to serve all students.
He added that messages have also been dispatched to the governors in the south-east and south-south regions.
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The group said there will be no protests in any part of Nigeria to avoid violence from security forces.
“Biafrans abroad will gather in the streets of their host countries or organize town hall meetings to express their support in honoring our fallen heroes and advocating for the restoration of Biafra,” the statement added.
