The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Nnamdi Kanu, has declared a total sit-at-home across Biafraland on Saturday, May 30, 2026, to commemorate the annual Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day.
The group made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful. May 30 is observed yearly as a day of remembrance, mourning, and reflection for heroes and heroines who died during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.
This year’s observance holds particular significance as it is the first since IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is currently serving his term at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
In the strongly worded statement, IPOB described the day as “a sacred covenant with the fallen” and called for strict compliance.
“We, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby solemnly declare 30 May 2026 as a sacred day of remembrance, mourning, reflection, and honour for all Biafran heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate price…”
The group emphasised that the observance is not political but a solemn duty.
“This sacred day is not for politics, commerce, entertainment, weddings, burials, meetings, market activities, or social events. It is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, mourning, honour, and national remembrance.”
IPOB urged all Biafrans at home and in the diaspora to observe the sit-at-home with “discipline, dignity, and reverence.” It also called on governors across the South-East and other states it considers as Biafraland to fly the Nigerian flag at half-mast in honour of the fallen.
“We further encourage every governor across the thirteen states of Biafraland to demonstrate moral courage and historical conscience by flying the Nigerian flag at half-mast on 30 May…”
The statement paid tribute to Biafran fighters, civilians, and those killed in past remembrance events, particularly the 2016 massacre in Nkpor and Onitsha.
“Because nations that forget their defenders eventually forget themselves,” the statement concluded.
The declaration is expected to significantly impact economic and social activities in the South-East region on the designated date.
