The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a voluntary Biafra-wide lockdown on Monday, February 2, across the South-East to protest the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and demand the immediate release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to a statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the suspension of economic and public activities is an act of solidarity with traders in Onitsha, following the Anambra State government’s decision to close the main market for one week. IPOB criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo for threatening further closures, land revocations, demolitions, and other sanctions, describing the market shutdown as “economic warfare” against local residents.
IPOB emphasized that the lockdown is not an enforcement action but a peaceful collective response. Traders, transport operators, banks, schools, and civil servants across the former Eastern Region—including Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi states—were urged to stay indoors and suspend activities. The group also warned of possible “false flag operations” and reiterated its commitment to non-violence, dialogue, and a referendum on Biafran self-determination.
