The Indigenous People of Biafra ,IPOB, has declared Friday, May 30, 2025, a public holiday across Nigeria’s South-East region to mark the annual Biafra Heroes Memorial Day.
The group in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Monday declared a total lockdown in the five Southeast states to honour its fallen heroes and heroines who lost their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s self-determination and independence during and after the civil war.
The group called on all the people of the region and supporters of the Biafran Nation struggle to observe a strict sit-at-home order from 6:00am to 6:00am on the day.
According to IPOB, the lockdown is not only a mark of respect for the fallen heroes and heroines but also a necessary safety measure in light of past incidents where Nigerian security forces allegedly attacked peaceful gatherings commemorating the event.
“This one-day total lockdown is a solemn act of remembrance,” Powerful stated.
“We must stay indoors to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the Nigeria-Biafra war and in our continued fight for freedom.
“No movement, no market, no school, no church, no social gatherings. Only emergency and essential services will be exempted.”
According to Powerful, the lockdown will affect road, air, and sea transportation in the Southeast region.
IPOB warned all transporters to avoid operating on that day. The group also noted that it has reached out to the West African Examinations Council ,WAEC, requesting that exam schedules be adjusted to accommodate the lockdown and ensure that students are not penalised.
The Biafra Heroes Memorial Day, also known as Biafra Remembrance Day, observed annually on May 30 by IPOB, commemorates those who died during the Biafran War (Civil War), which took place between 1967 and 1970, and those who have since lost their lives in the ongoing pro-Biafra movement.
IPOB noted that among those honoured are the late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, General Phillip Effiong, Chief Dr. Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and others hailed as defenders of Biafran identity.
IPOB instructed its members in the diaspora to organise peaceful demonstrations and town hall meetings in their host countries, calling for international recognition of Biafra and demanding the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB emphasised that no protests should take place within Nigeria to avoid violent crackdowns by security forces.
Powerful said this year’s commemoration will be preceded by a month-long series of broadcasts and memorial programmes by Radio Biafra and IPOB’s media team, aimed at educating and uniting Biafran Nation fighters and supporters ahead of what he described as the main event.
IPOB reiterated its call for unity and discipline among the people of the region during the memorial, urging all to remain indoors and reflect on the sacrifices made for their cause.
