IPOB hails sit-at-home success, demands May 30 as public holiday

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has congratulated Biafrans, Biafra supporters, residents, and advocates of Biafran freedom for their full compliance with this year’s sit-at-home order across Biafraland.

IPOB has also called on governors in the South-East and South-South regions to declare 30th May a public holiday to honour the fallen heroes of Biafra.

According to IPOB, this year’s Biafran Heroes and Heroines Day holds profound significance for the people of Biafra.

The commendation was issued in a statement by Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Head of Media and Secretary, on Friday.

The statement emphasised that IPOB commemorates the massacre of over six million Biafrans killed during the genocidal conflict from 1967 to 1970.

IPOB’s leadership expressed sincere gratitude to members who organised and encouraged the observance of the sit-at-home in tribute to these heroes and heroines.

“We also extend our thanks to all who contributed to the success of this year’s remembrance. Our deepest appreciation goes to Biafrans in all Biafra states, particularly Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, as well as Biafran communities in Edo, Benue, and Kogi States, for their unwavering compliance. We salute Biafrans abroad who took to the streets to raise awareness in their respective countries,” the statement read.

IPOB leaders also congratulated members in India, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Taiwan, Thailand, Italy, America, the UK, Israel, South Korea, China, Gabon, Austria, Hong Kong, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Brazil, Senegal, Liberia, and numerous other nations across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and Africa. “Kudos to IPOB everywhere—the largest and most remarkable One Family,” the statement added.

Special commendations were given to market union leaders, transport owners’ associations, church leaders, representatives of educational institutions, market vendors, transport operators, and journalists who objectively covered the day’s events.

The statement reiterated the significance of this year’s Biafran Heroes and Heroines Day, conveying a critical message to opponents that the unlawful detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not weakened the resolve of IPOB and the people of Biafra in their quest for liberation. IPOB asserts its authority as the legitimate governing entity over Biafraland.

“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. Our message to Nigeria is clear: Biafrans will never again be slaughtered without resistance. We will continue to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives during the genocidal war of 1967–1970, instigated by the British and Nigerian governments. We also honour those who continue to pay the ultimate price to this day. They will remain in our memories until Biafra’s arrival and beyond. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB leadership vow to meet the expectations of Biafrans. We have come to reclaim Biafra, and Biafra we must obtain,” the statement affirmed.

The statement further reflected on the current plight of Biafrans in Nigeria, noting that the underlying issues that led to the genocidal war persist. It cited the ongoing unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as emblematic of continued oppression by the Nigerian government.

The statement contrasted this treatment with the Nigerian government’s dismissal of charges and release of a confirmed Fulani terrorist leader of the Miyetti Allah militia, as well as Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, who advocates for the Oduduwa Republic, and ex-presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who was detained and charged with treason.

In stark contrast, the group noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, an Igbo leader, was abducted from Kenya, illegally transferred to Nigeria, and remains in detention in violation of local and international laws.

IPOB seized this moment of reflection to formally urge governors in Biafraland—particularly those in the South East and South South—to establish 30th May as a public holiday in honour of the fallen heroes of Biafra.

This request is deemed just and reasonable. Just as South West leaders successfully advocated for 12th June to be recognised as Democracy Day, a public holiday honouring MKO Abiola, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Igbo governors should have the courage to promote the commemoration of Biafran heroes with a public holiday.

Until such time, IPOB has officially designated 30th May of each year as Biafra Heroes Day, to be observed by Biafrans both locally and internationally.

To all dedicated IPOB members, the statement concluded, “We honour your bravery and determination. We will not relent or surrender until Biafra is fully reinstated.”

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