In support of the traders impacted by the shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market and in collaboration with its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a solidarity lockdown that would take place throughout Biafra on Monday, February 2, 2026.
IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, made the announcement in a statement that was made public on Thursday.
The proposed action, according to IPOB, will entail a brief suspension of public and commercial activity in areas of the South-East that the group refers to as Biafran lands. According to IPOB, the lockdown is meant to show support for Onitsha traders.
The statement urged on shops, transport operators, financial institutions, schools and civil servants across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and other states to observe the lockdown peacefully and voluntarily.
IPOB emphasized that participants should continue to follow the law and that the planned action is non-violent. Additionally, the group reaffirmed its dedication to discussing its goals.
Details regarding enforcement actions and sanctions for non-compliance were not included in the organization’s statement.
