The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that a total lockdown will be observed across Biafra land on May 30, 2025, in honour of men and women who lost their lives during the Nigerian-Biafran War.
The group said the sit-at-home, which it describes as a “Biafra Heroes Memorial Day,” will serve as a solemn day of remembrance for Biafrans across the world. As part of preparations, IPOB said it had reached out to governors in the South East and South South regions, as well as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), to notify them of the planned one-day lockdown.
According to IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Monday, the day will be marked with lectures and reflections in both Nigeria and the diaspora, and Biafrans are urged to remain indoors throughout the day.
“The peak of the yearly memorial and remembrance event will occur on May 30th, 2025, known as the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day. It is a day designated by IPOB for Biafrans to commemorate and pay tribute to our heroes, heroines, and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s liberation and independence. The IPOB leadership has announced that May 30, 2025, will be a free day, marking a total lockdown for Biafrans residing in Biafran Land,” the statement read.
The group emphasised that the lockdown, which will last from 6 am to 6 pm, is not just to mark history but also to honour the ongoing sacrifices of Biafrans who face marginalisation in present-day Nigeria.
“Biafrans residing in Biafra land should observe a lockdown to pay tribute to those who battled and perished in the Nigerian genocidal war against Biafra, while Biafrans fought for our independence. We need to commemorate them by spending one day indoors. We urge all Biafrans and every advocate of freedom in Biafra Land to comply with this one-day lockdown directive on May 30, 2025.”
In a move to avoid violence, the group said there would be no protests or public gatherings in Nigeria. Instead, Biafrans abroad are encouraged to obtain permits for peaceful demonstrations or hold town hall meetings.
“All IPOB family members in their various countries must organise and obtain permits to demonstrate against the unlawful imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.”
“There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind. Simply stay inside and enjoy television and videos with your family while contemplating the memories and the genocide inflicted upon Biafrans from 1967 to the present day. It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the Biafran genocidal war from 1967 to 1970 and the ongoing victimisation, destruction, and marginalisation of the Ndigbo within Nigeria.”
IPOB noted that WAEC had been informed so that adjustments can be made to accommodate students sitting for the May/June Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
“IPOB has contacted the West African Examination Council, WAEC, to inform them of the lockdown directive on the 30th of May, so they can modify the May/June SSCE exams schedule to serve all students. Messages have also been dispatched to the Governors in the South East and South-South Regions to notify them that we will remember and pay tribute to our heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything for us with a lockdown mandate on May 30, 2025.”
The group insisted the commemoration is to honour historical and contemporary Biafran figures who played vital roles in the liberation struggle.
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“IPOB and Ndigbo across the globe will pay tribute to all our fallen heroes and heroines, including our everlasting leader, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen Phillip Efiong, Chief Dr Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and numerous others who significantly contributed and fought to avert the genocide and destruction of Biafrans by the Nigerian and British governments along with their allied forces.”
“Every year on May 30th is a significant day for all Biafrans. It is a public holiday for every citizen and non-citizen of Biafra living in the Biafra territory. IPOB prioritises the well-being of Ndigbo and has discovered methods to prevent the Nigerian State from killing our people as we continue to remember and celebrate our heroes.”
While the lockdown will be strictly enforced, IPOB clarified that essential workers such as doctors, nurses, journalists, ambulance drivers, police officers, firefighters, and fuel station staff will be exempted.
