The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, in support of traders affected by the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and in connection with its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
According to IPOB, the planned action will involve a temporary shutdown of commercial and public activities across parts of the South-East, which the group describes as Biafran territories. IPOB said the lockdown is intended as a demonstration of support for Onitsha traders.
The statement called on traders, transport operators, financial institutions, schools and civil servants across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and other areas to observe the lockdown peacefully and voluntarily.
IPOB emphasised that the planned action is non-violent and that participants should remain law-abiding. The group also reiterated its commitment to dialogue regarding its objectives
“This strike is not enforcement; it is a voluntary, collective expression of outrage and solidarity with the hardworking traders of Onitsha, whose livelihoods are now under direct assault by a governor who has chosen to act as an enforcer for anti-Biafran interests rather than as a servant of his people. Soludo’s closure of Africa’s largest market, coupled with his reckless threats to revoke allocations and rebuild in the ‘public interest,’ constitutes economic warfare against Biafrans. It is designed to break the spirit of peaceful civil disobedience that has highlighted the injustice of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention despite sham proceedings,” Powerful said.
He reminded the governor that the Monday sit-at-home originated as a peaceful protest demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, adding that the very cause has galvanised global attention to Biafra’s quest for self-determination.
“Attempts to cast this as economic sabotage or criminality will fail. The markets thrived on Christmas Mondays without incident, proving that voluntary compliance stems from genuine solidarity, not fear. Soludo’s escalation only exposes his desperation to provoke confrontation at a time when Biafra’s international profile is rising and diplomatic efforts are gaining traction,” he added.
The statement called on traders, transport operators, financial institutions, schools and civil servants across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and other areas to observe the lockdown peacefully and voluntarily.
IPOB emphasised that the planned action is non-violent and that participants should remain law-abiding. The group also reiterated its commitment to dialogue regarding its objectives.
“IPOB remains committed to non-violence and dialogue leading to a referendum on Biafran self-determination. We urge all to remain law-abiding, avoid provocation, and remain vigilant against false-flag operations aimed at discrediting our cause. The world must see that Biafrans are a peaceful, mature people fighting for freedom through legitimate means—not the chaotic region Nigerian lobbyists desperately portray.
“Soludo’s war on Onitsha traders is a war on all Biafrans. This strike will send a clear message: Touch one, touch all. Our leader’s prophecy endures—Biafra’s liberation is near, and no amount of intimidation will stop it.”
The organisation’s statement did not provide details on enforcement measures or penalties for non-compliance.
What you should know
On Monday, Governor Charles Soludo shut down the Onitsha market for one week following the continued observance of Monday sit-at-home by traders.
Soludo had earlier abolished the Monday sit-at-home order in the state and directed that all economic and other activities resume.
He had also vowed to sanction organisations that flouted the order. He said the Monday sit-at-home order was denying the state billions of naira.
On Tuesday, however, defiant traders who refused to open on Monday reported that the market was locked and manned by security operatives.
On Thursday, the governor reaffirmed his decision to shut down the market.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Governor Soludo said the decision was taken after repeated warnings to traders in the government-owned Onitsha Main Market, described as the largest market in West Africa.
The organisation’s statement did not provide details on enforcement measures or penalties for non-compliance.
What you should know
On Monday, Governor Charles Soludo shut down the Onitsha market for one week following the continued observance of Monday sit-at-home by traders.
Soludo had earlier abolished the Monday sit-at-home order in the state and directed that all economic and other activities resume.
According to him, only a small number of shops opened for business despite clear directives to operate normally.
He explained that the market would remain shut for the rest of the week, emphasising that the government is determined to safeguard Anambra’s economic stability and future.
“This is a struggle for the soul of Anambra’s future. Almost 80 percent of the people have given us a mandate to protect their welfare and security, and we must remain committed to that responsibility every day,” Soludo said.
The governor stressed that Mondays are critical for commercial activities, noting that suppliers, traders, and buyers typically conduct major transactions on that day.
He warned that continued closure of markets could lead to the relocation of businesses and a decline in the state’s economic strength.“If businesses do not open, people will take their trade elsewhere.
Do you think Southeast residents would obey between IPOB and the government? Share your views in the comment section.
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