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A pro-Biafra separatist group has directed churches across southeastern Nigeria and parts of the south-south to hold memorial services on May 31, exactly one day after the 59th anniversary of Biafra’s declaration.
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) issued the directive as part of activities to remember millions who perished during the 1967-1970 Nigerian civil war, the group said in a press release on Monday.
National Director of Information Edeson Samuel, speaking for the faction led by Comrade Uchenna Madu, said the services are meant to honour those who died in the three-year conflict.
The group has also ordered a mandatory shutdown on Saturday, May 30, from 6 am to 4 pm across the region.
“MASSOB has earlier declared that all markets, public and private motor parks, schools, banks, and other public business premises shall remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on 30th May, 2026,” Samuel said, describing the closure as “a mark of honour, respect, and patriotism to our fatherland.”
“It is a mark of appreciation and acknowledgement of the numerous sacrifices and prices our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters rendered for Biafra during the three years of war.”
MASSOB cautioned members against any street processions or public gatherings that could trigger clashes with security forces.
There will be no physical demonstrations, street marches, processions, or any other public functions anywhere in the region on May 30, it added.
The group acknowledged that heavy security deployments are expected in major cities but vowed to remain undeterred.
“MASSOB knows that there will be a heavy presence of the armed Nigerian Army, Mobile Police, DSS operatives, and Civil Defence in major cities.
“No amount of security intimidation, killings, detention, or oppression will ever stop the willpower of an indigenous people for self-determination.”
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra have called on every governor across the 13 states of Biafraland to fly the Nigerian flag at half-mast on May 30 in honour of Biafran men and women who died during the war.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, IPOB Spokesman Emma Powerful said the gesture would acknowledge the humanity of those who perished.
“We further encourage every governor across the thirteen states of Biafraland to demonstrate moral courage and historical conscience by flying the Nigerian flag at half-mast on May 30 in honour of the millions who perished during the war and in the years that followed,” the statement read.
