The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a region-wide shutdown across the South-East on Monday, February 2, calling on residents to withdraw from public and economic activities.
The group said the action is a show of solidarity with traders affected by the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and a renewed demand for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Politics Nigeria reports that IPOB made this known in a statement released on Friday and signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
According to the group, the shutdown is a voluntary protest by residents angered by the decision of the Anambra State government to seal the popular market for one week.
The group faulted Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s move, accusing him of targeting traders whose livelihoods depend on daily business activities. It also criticised warnings by the governor on possible further closures, revocation of land allocations, demolitions and sanctions against traders.
IPOB described the market closure as “economic warfare” against people of the region. It claimed the action was meant to punish traders for continuing to observe the Monday sit-at-home linked to demands for Kanu’s freedom.
The group insisted that the sit-at-home remains a peaceful protest. It rejected claims that it promotes crime or economic sabotage in the region. IPOB said residents have continued the action out of conviction, not coercion.
According to the statement, the planned shutdown is not an enforcement directive by the group. It said it reflects the collective anger of traders and residents who see the market closure as an attack on their means of survival.
IPOB noted that the Onitsha Main Market is a major commercial hub not just for Anambra but for the entire South-East.
The group urged traders, transport operators, banks, schools, civil servants and private businesses in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and other parts of the old Eastern Region to suspend activities and remain indoors on Monday.
IPOB also reiterated its stance on non-violence. It appealed to supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid any confrontation with security agencies or other groups during the shutdown.
The statement included a warning against what it called possible “false flag operations” designed to implicate the group or justify crackdowns on residents. IPOB maintained that its agitation is centred on dialogue and a referendum on Biafran self-determination.
The group further accused Governor Soludo of acting against the collective interest of the people. It warned that actions taken against Onitsha traders should be seen as actions against the wider Biafran population.
Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market, citing the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home by traders despite assurances of safety.
