The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a fresh sit-at-home directive and total lockdown across the South-East, in protest against the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State Government.
In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the action as a region-wide solidarity shutdown aimed at supporting traders affected by the market closure and resisting what it termed punitive measures by the state government.
The sit-at-home is expected to affect commercial and public activities across Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to shut the Onitsha Main Market after traders reportedly continued to observe the Monday sit-at-home order.
IPOB criticised the closure, describing it as an attack on the economic survival of traders, and maintained that the sit-at-home is a voluntary act of peaceful civil disobedience, not enforced by the group. Residents of the South-East were urged to remain indoors and suspend business activities during the period, while ensuring the action remains peaceful.
The group also reiterated its long-standing demand for the unconditional release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, accusing the authorities of using economic pressure to suppress public sympathy for the cause.
As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Government had yet to issue an official response to IPOB’s latest declaration.
