Nigeria – – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a press release declaring Friday, May 30th, 2025, as a day of total lockdown across “Biafra Land.” The directive is to commemorate and honor Biafran heroes and heroines who, according to the group, made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

In the statement released today, May 12th, 2025, and signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group announced that May 30th will be an annual “Memorial and Remembrance Day for Biafra Heroes and Heroines.” IPOB stated that anticipation for the event began on May 1st with broadcasts on Radio Biafra and media awareness campaigns. Throughout May, the group intends to hold memorial lectures both within Nigeria and abroad.

 

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The peak of the commemoration will be the May 30th lockdown, designated as “BIAFRA HEROES MEMORIAL DAY.” IPOB calls on all Biafrans residing in the South East and South South regions of Nigeria to observe a complete lockdown by staying indoors to pay tribute to those who fought and died during the Nigerian Civil War and in the ongoing struggle for Biafra’s independence.

 

The press release explicitly directs all IPOB family members in other countries to organize demonstrations and seek permits to protest against the continued detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Nigeria. However, IPOB has explicitly forbidden any protests within Biafra Land or anywhere in Nigeria, citing the risk of harm from Nigerian security forces.

 

Biafrans living abroad are urged to gather in their host countries or organize town hall meetings to honor the fallen heroes and advocate for the restoration of Biafra. The group stated that this annual event is a significant day for all Biafrans globally, a public holiday for those residing in “Biafra territory.”

 

The directives outlined in the press release specify a strict lockdown from 6 AM to 6 PM on May 30th. This includes a ban on all forms of transportation by road, air, and sea, as well as the closure of schools, community meetings, religious services, markets, and stores. Public assemblies of any kind are also prohibited.

The statement advises people to remain indoors and reflect on the experiences of the Biafran War and the ongoing marginalization of the Igbo people.

 

IPOB claims to have contacted the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to request a modification of the May/June SSSE examination schedule to accommodate the lockdown. Notifications have also reportedly been sent to the Governors of the South East and South South regions.

 

The group stated that the lockdown directive is a measure to protect Biafrans, citing previous incidents where Nigerian security forces allegedly attacked and killed those who gathered to honor fallen heroes. IPOB advises the public to stay indoors to avoid potential violence from security forces. The statement warned that anyone who ignores the lockdown order would do so at their own risk.

 

Finally, IPOB directed all transporters to refrain from using roads on Friday, May 30th, 2025.

 

This declaration is likely to have a significant impact on socio-economic activities in the South East and South South regions of Nigeria on the designated day. The response from state governments and security agencies in the affected areas is yet to be seen.