The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown scheduled for Monday, February 2, across the South-East, in protest against the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and to demand the immediate release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the planned shutdown of economic and public activities in the region was a voluntary act of solidarity with traders in Onitsha, following the Anambra State government’s decision to shut the main market for one week.
The group also blasted Governor Chukwuma Soludo for threatening further closures, revocation of land allocations, demolitions, and other sanctions against traders.
IPOB described the market closure as “economic warfare” against the people of the region, alleging that the action was intended to suppress continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home protest demanding Kanu’s release.
The group insisted that the sit-at-home was a peaceful form of civil disobedience and denied claims that it amounted to economic sabotage or criminality.
According to the statement, the solidarity lockdown is not an enforcement action but a collective response by residents angered by what IPOB called punitive measures against traders whose livelihoods depend on the Onitsha Main Market, widely regarded as one of the largest markets in Africa.
The group called on traders, transport operators, banks, schools, civil servants, and other sectors across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and other parts of the former Eastern Region to remain indoors and suspend activities on the day of the protest.
IPOB reiterated its commitment to non-violence and urged supporters to remain law-abiding and avoid confrontations.
The group warned against what it described as possible “false flag operations” aimed at discrediting its cause.
It maintained that its agitation is focused on dialogue and a referendum on Biafran self-determination.
The group further accused the Anambra State governor of acting against the interests of traders and residents, insisting that any action against Onitsha traders amounted to an attack on all Biafrans.
Governor Soludo on Monday announced the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week over traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home earlier ordered by IPOB.
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