Biafra Day: MASSOB declares May 30 sit-at-home, church memorials

The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has declared a mandatory sit-at-home order for May 30 to mark the anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra and honor fallen heroes.

MASSOB urges residents across the Southeast region to remain indoors for sober reflection, while concurrently directing all regional churches to host special memorial services and thanksgiving on Sunday May 31, 2026.

The group stated that the services are intended to honour and pay tribute to millions of people who lost their lives during the Nigerian-Biafran civil war and subsequent regional conflicts.

This directive forms part of the line-up of activities marking the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

The National Director of Information for MASSOB, Edeson Samuel, made this known in an official press release made available on Monday.

According to the statement, the faction of the movement led by Comrade Uchenna Madu described this year’s anniversary as a significant milestone in the ongoing self-determination struggle.

Samuel stated, “MASSOB has earlier declared that all markets, public and private motor parks, schools, banks, and other public business premises shall remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on 30th May, 2026.

“The closure of these public places and services are marks of honor, respect, and patriotism to our fatherland.

“It is a mark of appreciation and acknowledgment of the numerous sacrifices and prices our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters rendered for Biafra during the three years of war.”

The pro-Biafra group, however, cautioned its members against any form of public gatherings that could lead to confrontations with security agencies.

The statement emphasized that there would be no physical demonstrations, street marches, processions, or any other public functions anywhere in the region on May 30.

The group also stated that it is using the 59th anniversary to show solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Indigenous People of Biafra), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu), while demanding his immediate and unconditional release from state custody.

Acknowledging the likelihood of massive security deployments across major cities in the region ahead of the anniversary, MASSOB urged residents to remain resolute.

“MASSOB knows that there will be a heavy presence of the armed Nigerian Army, Mobile Police, DSS operatives, and Civil Defence in major cities.

“No amount of security intimidation, killings, detention, or oppression will ever stop the willpower of an indigenous people for self-determination,” the statement concluded.