Few weeks to the May 30 total lockdown declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the sister separatist group, Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra and Biafra Independent Movement MASSOB/BIM has distanced itself from the civil disobedience act.
In a chat with WITHIN NIGERIA, the MASSOB/BIM Chief Minister Enugu North Zone, Fidelis Kenneth Okwudili said that the group can never be a party to such anti-people act.
According to the Chief Minister, ” we are in support of the celebration of heroes day by the Biafran agitators, we are not in support of the lock down declared by the IPOB or any other agitators.”
Explaining further, Okwudili said ” this lockdown has led to the death of many people in Igbo land. They are purveyors of violence. Our enemies in Igbo land have used the opportunity to cause violence in the zone. That’s why our leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has continued to preach against violence. That’s why MASSOB/BIM has slated their own heroes’ day to be every May 22 instead of May 30 to avoid violence.”
Recall that few days ago, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB announced total lockdown in the South East zone to hold on May 30, 2026.
This was contained in a statement issued by the group’s Directorate of State (DOS) and signed by its spokesperson, Mr C. Okadigbo.
According to the separatist group, this is to mark “Biafran Heroes and Heroines Remembrance Day.”
The group further stressed that the day is set aside for remembrance of those who lost their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s self-determination in Nigeria’s civil war between 1967 and 2026.
“On May 30th, we pause to remember and honour the men, women, and children who lost their lives fighting for Biafra’s freedom.
“Fighting for our freedom from 1967 to 2026. Their sacrifice in the struggle for our self-determination remains a defining part of our history and identity,” the statement read.
The group urged residents to observe the day with reflection, prayer, and symbolic remembrance activities.
“We encourage everyone to take time on this day to reflect on their courage and bravery, tell their stories, and pay respects to the families who still carry the weight of that loss.
“Light a candle, observe a moment of silence and reverence, or gather with your families to share memories,” it added.
Describing May 30 as a solemn occasion, IPOB said the sacrifices of those it described as “fallen heroes and heroines” must not be forgotten.
“May 30th is a day of sober reflection, let us keep alive the memories of those who died for the cause of Biafra, and let their sacrifice remind us why the ideals of for which they paid the ultimate price must not be forgotten or allowed to be extinguished,” the DOS stated.
“May 30th is a day of sober reflection, let us keep alive the memories of those who died for the cause of Biafra, and let their sacrifice remind us why the ideals of freedom, dignity, and justice for which they paid the ultimate price must not be forgotten or allowed to be extinguished,” the DOS stated.
The group further declared that there would be a complete shutdown of activities across what it referred to as “Biafraland” from 6am to 6pm on May 30, 2026.
“For their sacrifices, the leadership of IPOB, the DOS wish to inform the public that on the 30th of May 2026, from 6am to 6pm at sunset, the entire Biafraland will be on TOTAL LOCKDOWN, stay indoors and pray with your family and friends and perform your rituals and prayers according to your faith and belief,” it said.
The statement also stressed that there will be no movement except for emergency services.
“There will be no vehicular movement save emergency vehicles. All markets and offices will be closed.
“School owners and administrators and parents are encouraged to keep their children and wards at home, market leaders, banks, parks, transport companies, etc., are enjoined to inform their members to avoid falling victim to trigger happy Nigeria terrorist security officers,” it added.
The group also claimed it had informed South-East governors and other stakeholders about the planned lockdown.
“The DOS has officially informed all the governors in Biafraland about this upcoming May 30th 2026, Biafran Heroes and Heroines Remembrance Day. The leadership will also officially inform other stakeholders by the start of next week,” the statement said.
IPOB called for remembrance of those it described as fallen fighters, saying, “We remember them! We honour them! We MUST not forget their sacrifice.”
MASSOB/BIM however, encouraged residents of the South East zone to be vigilant on May 30 to avoid being used as a scapegoat.The group also stated that those who cause violence for the Biafra actualization are not true lovers of Biafra Independence.
