 has announced that May 30, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday and sit-at-home day across the South-East region, to honor Biafran heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970.){kind=link}
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that May 30, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday and sit-at-home day across the South-East region, to honor Biafran heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970.
AFRIPOST had reported to the pro-Biafran group stated that all modes of transportation—land, air, and sea—would be banned from 6am to 6pm on the designated day, and no public activity will be permitted in what they refer to as “Biafran territory.”
They encouraged citizens to remain indoors and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for Biafran independence.
In response, the Anambra State Police Command, represented by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, assured the public that security forces would be available to protect residents who choose to go about their daily business without fear.
“We are not aware of any lockdown directive, but we guarantee the safety of residents as they go about their lawful activities,” Ikenga said.
“While we will not force anyone to leave their homes, we will provide full security for those who decide to engage in legal activities on the day in question.”
Emma Powerful, spokesperson for IPOB, stated in a release that the group plans to hold memorial lectures both in Nigeria and internationally to honor those who died during the war.
He also mentioned that IPOB members abroad are encouraged to secure legal permits for protests to highlight the continued detention of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Powerful, May 30 will be a day of total closure, affecting schools, markets, religious services, and public gatherings.
He described it as a solemn occasion for families to remember the victims of the Biafran War.
“On May 30, 2025, IPOB and all Biafran supporters will observe a public holiday and lockdown to remember the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. This will be marked by memorial lectures both locally and globally,” Powerful said in the statement.
The group has also requested that the West African Examinations Council reschedule the May/June Senior Secondary School Exams in the South-East to accommodate the lockdown.
IPOB has sent notifications to governors in the South-East and South-South regions about their plans for May 30.
Powerful emphasized that Biafrans living abroad should organize demonstrations or town hall meetings to express solidarity and push for the restoration of Biafra.
“On this day, we will honor the fallen heroes, including our eternal leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen. Philip Efiong, Chief Dr. Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and others who stood against the violence and destruction orchestrated by Nigerian and British forces,” the statement added.
Only essential service workers such as healthcare professionals, emergency responders, journalists, and members of NUPENG will be exempt from the lockdown, and IPOB urged transport operators to refrain from traveling on May 30 to avoid clashes with security personnel.
“Stay indoors on May 30 to avoid unnecessary conflict or potential harm from security forces,” Powerful warned.
This comes after last year’s observance ended in violence, particularly in Abia State, where there were reports of soldiers being killed during the protests.