The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that Thursday, May 30, 2025, will be observed as a sit-at-home day across the South East and parts of the South South to mark this year’s Biafra Heroes Memorial Day.
The group is urging residents to remain indoors between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to honour the men and women who lost their lives during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war from 1967 to 1970.
Unlike past events that featured protests and public rallies, IPOB says this year’s remembrance will be quiet but powerful. According to a statement by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the memorial will focus on reflection, unity, and peaceful remembrance of Biafran heroes.
“There will be no protests in Biafra land. All we ask is that people stay indoors, spend time with their families, and remember those who died in the struggle,” the statement read.
IPOB revealed that it has informed all governors in the South East and South South zones, as well as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), requesting that activities planned for the day be rescheduled to avoid conflicts with the sit-at-home directive.
The group also clarified that only essential workers—such as doctors, nurses, journalists, emergency personnel, and security agents—will be exempted from the stay-at-home order.
“All markets, schools, religious centres, and offices should remain closed. This is not just about the past; it’s about who we are and where we’re going,” IPOB said.
The memorial, IPOB added, is also meant to highlight ongoing issues faced by the Igbo people and to call attention to the continued detention of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Across the diaspora, IPOB members are expected to hold lectures and peaceful gatherings, where permitted, to mark the day.
“This is our own way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who gave their lives. Silence, on this day, will speak louder than words,” IPOB stated.
