Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has announced a compulsory sit-at-home exercise across the South-East and parts of the South-South on Saturday, May 30, 2026, to mark Biafra Day.
The Group also directed churches in the affected regions to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
In a statement released by MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, the activities are intended to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.
According to the Group, the church services will honour millions of people who died during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
The group described the anniversary as a significant moment in its continued pursuit of self-determination. MASSOB said the sit-at-home order represents a day of remembrance, reflection, and peaceful civil disobedience.
The statement noted that markets, schools, banks, motor parks, and other public and private business establishments are expected to remain closed from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on May 30.
Samuel said the shutdown is meant to show respect and appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives during the war.
MASSOB however warned its members against organizing public rallies, marches, or street demonstrations during the commemoration, citing concerns over possible clashes with security agencies.
The Group also used the occasion to renew its demand for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
MASSOB further noted that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps, would likely be heavily deployed across the region during the anniversary activities but insisted that intimidation, arrests, or State actions would not weaken the resolve of people advocating for self-determination. Authority.
