Ipob declares a sit-at-home on May 30 to make Biafran Day in commemoration of independence declaration

SECESSIONIST group the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) has declared May 30 a day for a sit-at-home protest across the southeast geo-political zone to mark the declaration of Biafran independence on that date in 1967.

On May 30 1967, the then governor of the old Eastern Region Lt Col Odumegwu Ojukwu declared Biafra an independent nation. This precipitated the Nigerian civil war which lasted until January 1970 but of late, calls for the recreation of Biafra have surfaced again on that back of perceived marginalisation of Nigeria's 18m Igbos.

Ipob spokesman Emma Powerful, said: “We the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra under the command and leadership of our great prophet and indefatigable liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu wish to announce to all Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of Biafra freedom across the world that May 30, 2023, is Biafra Heroes Day. It is special day set outside to remember our fallen comrades and those who paid ultimate price for the liberation of Biafra in 1967-1970 and beyond.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Ipob set aside 30th of May every year as a special day to honour gallant men and women who paid ultimate sacrifice for us to live as a people. Daily, Biafrans are murdered in cold blood, illegally adopted and unlawfully detained in Nigeria in the quest for Biafra freedom. The sacrifices and memories of these heroes and heroines will never be forgotten.

“Although the Nigerian state dubiously removed history from schools and national discuss so that the descendants of Biafra will no longer remember and honour our heroes but Ipob leadership refused to let the labours of our heroes to go in vain. Therefore, fellow Biafrans, this 30th May, 2023 is another sacrosanct day to remember our fallen heroes, heroines and comrades who died in defence of our land and for the birth of the Biafra nation."