The Indigenous People of Biafra has declared a sit-at-home across the South-East and other “Biafra territories” on May 30, 2026, in observance of the annual Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day.
The group, led by Nnamdi Kanu, made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful.
May 30 is observed annually by pro-Biafra groups as a day set aside to honour those who died during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
This year’s remembrance marks the first since Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
In the statement, IPOB urged governors in the South-East and other states it described as part of Biafraland to direct that Nigerian flags be flown at half-mast in honour of those who lost their lives during the civil war.
The group also called on residents to remain indoors throughout the day in observance of the memorial.
“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 in the defence of our people,” the statement partly read.
IPOB described the annual observance as a “sacred covenant” aimed at preserving the memory of those who died during the conflict and subsequent events linked to the agitation.
The organisation recalled the killings that reportedly occurred during the May 30, 2016 remembrance activities in Nkpor and Onitsha, alleging that unarmed supporters were attacked while observing the event.
The statement further directed that no commercial, social or political activities should take place on the day.
“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 group stated.
IPOB also appealed to its supporters at home and in the diaspora to observe the sit-at-home peacefully and with discipline.
The group maintained that the remembrance exercise was necessary to preserve the history and sacrifices of those it described as fallen heroes and heroines of Biafra.
