The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, has declared a sit-at-home on May 30, 2026, to commemorate the annual Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day.
According to reports, May 30 has been set aside yearly as a day of remembrance, mourning, and reflection in honour of Biafra heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.
The declaration was made in a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful.
The group is observing the remembrance day for the first time since Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges by the Nigerian government. Kanu is currently serving a life prison sentence at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Sokoto.
As part of the observance, IPOB urged governors across the South-East and other states regarded as part of “Biafraland” to direct that Nigerian flags be flown at half-mast in honour of those who died during the civil war and related conflicts.
The group also called on residents identified as “people of Biafra” to remain indoors throughout the day.
In the statement, IPOB described May 30 as “a sacred day of remembrance, mourning, reflection, and honour” dedicated to those who “paid the ultimate price in the defence of our people, our dignity, and our collective right to exist.”
The organisation said the remembrance was beyond politics, describing it as “a sacred covenant with the fallen.”
IPOB praised the resilience of Biafrans during the 1967–1970 civil war, stating that despite military pressure, foreign support for Nigeria, starvation, and blockades, the people “were never broken in spirit.”
The group further stated that the annual remembrance serves as a solemn vow to preserve the memory and sacrifices of those who died during the conflict.
The statement also paid tribute to individuals allegedly killed during the May 30, 2016 remembrance events in Nkpor and Onitsha, saying their memories would not be forgotten.
IPOB directed that there should be no political activities, commercial operations, social gatherings, weddings, burials, or market activities on the day, insisting that it should be dedicated strictly to reflection, prayer, and mourning.
The group urged Biafrans both at home and in the diaspora to observe the sit-at-home peacefully and with discipline, while also appealing to political leaders in the region to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who died during the war.
