The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has applauded residents across the South-East states and beyond for what it described as overwhelming compliance with the annual Biafra Remembrance Day sit-at-home order observed on May 30, 2025.
In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the Biafran group praised the “resolute spirit” of South-Easterners who honoured the memory of those killed during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Nigerian fashion
“The noble family and the great Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, extend their congratulations to Biafrans, supporters of Biafra, inhabitants of Biafra, and advocates of Biafra freedom for their complete adherence to this year’s sit-at-home in Biafraland,” the statement read.
According to Powerful, “IPOB commemorates the massacre of more than 6million Biafrans killed during the genocidal conflict from 1967 to 1970.”
IPOB highlighted the mass participation across Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Biafran communities in parts of Edo, Benue, and Kogi States.
IPOB also acknowledged international solidarity by its supporters in countries spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
He said, “An important message has been conveyed to our opponents that the unlawful imprisonment of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu does not weaken the determination of IPOB and Biafrans for our liberation.”
Powerful commended market leaders, transport unions, religious figures, school administrators, and local business operators who helped enforce the peaceful shutdown, calling the day “unforgettable” in its solemnity and collective resolve.
“We applaud leaders of market union, leaders of Transport owners association, Church leaders, representatives of Educational institutions, market vendors, and transport operators,” he stated.
He added, “We honour our fallen heroes and heroines, including IPOB members who lost their lives at the hands of the brutal Nigerian government, with deep respect. Nigerian fashion
“Our message to Nigeria is that Biafrans will never again be slaughtered without resistance. We will persist in remembering and honouring our heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives defending us during the genocidal war of 1967-1970, instigated by the British and Nigerian governments.
“We honour those who continue to pay the ultimate and definitive price to this day. We will keep them in our memories until Biafra arrives and even thereafter.”
IPOB renewed its calls for May 30 to be officially recognised as a public holiday across the South-East and South-South regions, similar to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day in honour of MKO Abiola. Nigerian fashion
The group urged governors in the region and pan-Igbo socio-political group Ohanaeze Ndigbo to support the initiative.
According to Powerful, “IPOB seizes this moment of reflection to urge the Governors in Biafra Land, especially the South East and South South Governors, to establish May 30th as a public holiday to commemorate the fallen heroes of Biafra moving forward.
“The request to commemorate the Biafran geroes and heroines with a public holiday is a fair request.
“Similar to how South West leaders advocated for and commemorated MKO Abiola with June 12 as Democracy Day and a public holiday, Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbo governors should have the bravery to advance the initiative to honour Biafra Heroes with a public holiday.”
IPOB reiterated its long-standing demand for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021.
IPOB condemned what it described as double standards by the Nigerian government in handling activist cases, pointing to the dismissal of charges against other regional agitators while Kanu continues to be held. Nigerian fashion
IPOB vowed to continue honouring its fallen members and pursuing the vision of an independent Biafra.
“Until that time, IPOB has designated May 30th of each year as Biafra Heroes Day, to be commemorated by Biafrans both locally and internationally,” the statement stressed.
May 30th, long marked unofficially by IPOB supporters as Biafran Heroes Day, continues to draw both domestic and international attention, reflecting deep historical wounds and ongoing calls for political and cultural recognition in Nigeria’s South-East.
Newsmen earlier reported that economic and social activities across South-East Nigeria were brought to a standstill on Friday as residents observed the sit-at-home order declared by IPOB to commemorate this year’s Biafra Remembrance Day.
Major cities, including Enugu, the capital of Enugu State; Onitsha, the business hub of Anambra State; Awka, the capital of Anambra State; Aba and Umuahia in Abia State; Owerri, the capital of Imo State; and Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, experienced widespread shutdowns.
Markets, banks, schools, offices, and public transportation services remained closed, with streets largely deserted.
Some residents said they opted to stay indoors out of solidarity and respect for those who died during the Nigerian civil war, while some said they are indoors for fear of attacks and harm by possible enforcers of the order.
