Tension Returns in the South East as IPOB Officially Declares May 30 Sit-At-Home, Njiko Igbo Forum Oppose Lockdown Approach

A fresh wave of tension is brewing across Nigeria’s southeastern region as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a total lockdown of the region on May 30, 2025, to honor what it describes as “Biafra Heroes and Heroines Day”.

The group, a separatist movement advocating for the independence of Biafra, has called for a complete shutdown of all human and economic activities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The defunct Republic of Biafra was declared on May 30, 1967 in what is often referred in history as the “Ahiara Declaration“, by late Gen. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu

In a press statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group said the day as a solemn memorial for those who died during the Nigerian Biafran Civil War in which at least 3 million died, and, according to IPOB, for others who have “sacrificed their lives” in the ongoing Biafra struggle.

“It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the Biafran genocidal war from 1967 to 1970 and the ongoing victimization, destruction, and marginalization of the Ndigbo within Nigeria,” said Emma Powerful.

It said it is also using the day to press for the release of its founder and leader, Nnamdi Kanu, facing terrorism charges in Abuja since 2021.

IPOB directs that all schools, markets, religious gatherings, and transportation routes—whether by air, sea, or road—must be shut down on May 30. The group said it was willing to exempt only emergency and critical personnel such as doctors, journalists, and firefighters.

“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 Biafra territory,” IPOB said.

The group also claimed it has notified West African Examination Council (WAEC) to reschedule its ongoing secondary school examinations and has contacted governors of the South East and South-South for compliance with the lockdown directive.

Njiko Igbo Counters with Alternative Vision

However, not all stakeholders support the hardline approach.

A respected group of Igbo elders known as Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), has reacted speedily to the proclamation. The socio-political group with a 26-year history of advocating for southeastern interests, strongly distanced itself from IPOB’s call for a lockdown, urging a more peaceful, symbolic form of remembrance.

“The word lockdown sounds strong, confrontational, and declared imprisonment on the people of the Southeast (Igbo)… IPOB is not the government as to declare such a holiday or lockdown,” said Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha JP, president of the forum, cautioned the separatists.

Instead of halting economic activities, the forum is calling on Igbos to mark the day by wearing black, placing black ribbons on their chests, and observing a three-minute silence at noon on that day.

“Before the birth of IPOB, May 30th had always been solemnly observed… The most observation that people made was the three minutes silence that had always been observed by any Igbo in Nigeria by 12 noon,” the group emphasized.

It explained the mythical and cultural significance for the three, to signify the three times Igbo’s culturally hail a strong man by backhanding each other before shaking hands.

Rev. Obioha warned that enforcing a full-scale lockdown could lead to hardship, particularly for daily earners and low-income families.

“The children and living families of the heroes and heroines you are seeking to honor and remember will be tensed up, deprived of freedom of movement, and live in hunger,” he added.

Divided Voices, Shared History

Despite the divergent methods, both IPOB and NIF agree on the importance of remembering Biafran history and honoring the sacrifices made during the civil war. Both also call for unity and understanding of the Igbo identity, albeit through different lenses.

NIF further appealed to Nigerians, particularly not be “in panic” anytime “Biafra,” is mentioned, reassuring the state that “the civil war is over“, and that Igbos “are now in” Nigeria.

“What Arewa is to the North and Oduduwa is to the West is what Biafra is to the Igbo,” Obioha explained.

Insight: Between Protest and Preservation

IPOB’s directive, especially the threat that “whatever occurs to you, please hold no one responsible” if citizens defy the lockdown, raises concerns about public safety. While the intent may be symbolic, the method evokes fear, particularly in light of previous years when security crackdowns led to fatalities.

Meanwhile, Njiko Igbo’s moderate approach reflects the preference among older Igbo leaders advocating for reform and recognition within the Nigerian federation rather than secession through confrontation.

As May 30 draws near, the southeast region stands at a familiar crossroads. The day will reveal which voice—the radical or the conciliatory—holds more sway among the people of the land once proudly called The Republic of Biafra.

Have your say
Do you support IPOB’s lockdown approach or Njiko Igbo Forum’s peaceful remembrance proposal? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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