The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have announced a sit-at-home order for Monday, February 2, 2026, across the five South-East states. The group described the action as a “Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown”.
The announcement comes after Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo, ordered traders in the state to resume business on Mondays, and shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week.
In an issued statement signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said the sit-at-home is meant to show support for Onitsha traders and to demand the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB said the lockdown would be peaceful and voluntary, insisting it is not being enforced by force. According to the group, the action is a response to what it described as harsh measures taken by the Anambra State government against traders who observe the Monday sit-at-home.
The group accused Governor Soludo of threatening traders with prolonged market closures, revocation of land ownership, and demolition of shops if they continue to stay away from work on Mondays.
IPOB stated that the sit-at-home originated as a peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and said attempts to label it as economic sabotage are unfair.
