On the upcoming May 30, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has announced a sit-at-home directive covering the Southeast region.
This move by IPOB is aimed at paying tribute to the Biafran heroes who lost their lives during the years of the civil war from 1967 to 1970.
In an announcement made by Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, all educational institutions, government offices, private establishments, banks, transportation unions, market associations, and individuals are instructed to suspend all activities on Thursday.
Issuing a statement, Powerful stated: “We, the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of the resilient and compelling figure Mazi Nnamdi OkwuChukwu Kanu, officially declare May 30, 2024, as a sit-at-home day within Biafra Land for Biafrans, well-wishers of Biafra, supporters of freedom, and all inhabitants in Biafra Land.
“The 30th of May is designated as our heroes and heroines day, a time to remember brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for our existence, both during and after the genocidal war imposed by Nigeria on Biafrans from 1967 to 1970 and beyond, persisting even to this day.
“Yearly, the 30th of May serves as a solemn remembrance day for Biafrans, a day to honor our extraordinary heroes and heroines. Biafrans are encouraged to observe this sit-at-home day as a mark of respect towards the memories of our departed heroes who fought valiantly for our survival up to this day.
“Every Biafran residing within Biafra territory is urged to participate in the sit-at-home event on this particular day and contemplate the consequences of the enforced unity known as Nigeria, which has claimed countless Biafran lives. Biafrans residing outside Biafra territory are also urged to show reverence to our heroes by honoring the sit-at-home day if feasible or by minimizing their engagements on that day.
“In accordance with this decision, IPOB instructs all educational institutions, government offices, private establishments, banks, transportation unions, market associations, and individual citizens to suspend all activities on Thursday, May 30, 2024, as a mark of respect for our heroes and heroines.
“Exemptions to this directive are extended to institutions and individuals fulfilling special duties such as nurses, doctors, ambulance services, hospitals, and medical personnel who are permitted to function on that day.
“We urge both Christians and adherents of traditional worship to utilize this day in prayer to Chukwu Okike Abiama for the fallen heroes, as well as to pray for the independence of Biafra from the oppressive entity termed Nigeria.
“The Heroes Remembrance Day serves as a duty call for Biafrans to commemorate and pay homage to our fallen heroes who were brutally lost between 1967 and 1970 during the genocidal attack against the Igbo people and beyond.
“Biafrans residing in the Northern and Western regions of the Nigerian entity will also participate by staying indoors during this moment of commemoration and remembrance for our departed heroes and heroines.”