IPOB declares sit-at-home in south-east on May 30

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says there will be a sit-at-home in the south-east geo-political zone on May 30.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said the sit-at-home order will be enforced to mark the “Biafra Heroes Day”.

“It is a special day set outside to remember our fallen comrades and those who paid the ultimate price for the liberation of Biafra in 1967-1970 and beyond,” Powerful said.

He said IPOB set aside May 30 of every year as a “special day to honour gallant men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to leave as a people”.

He alleged that Biafra supporters were “killed, illegally abducted and unlawfully detained”.

“The sacrifices and memories of these heroes and heroines will never be forgotten,” Powerful said. 

“Fellow Biafrans, this 30th May 2023 is another sacrosanct day to remember our fallen heroes, heroines and comrades who died in defence of our land and for the birth of the Biafra Nation.

“In line with our culture and respect for our fallen heroes, IPOB has declared 30th of May, 2023 a sit-at-home in the entire Biafran territory to commemorate the deaths of those murdered for Biafra Independence and freedom.”

Powerful asked IPOB members to “maintain peace and order during the event”.

Sit-at-home order was introduced by IPOB to protest the detention of Kanu, its leader.

Although the proscribed separatist group suspended the order in September 2021, there have been reports of forceful, sometimes violent enforcement by suspected thugs in the region.