IPOB Declares Biafra-Wide Lockdown for February 2 Over Onitsha Market Closure

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a region-wide solidarity lockdown scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, to protest the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and to draw attention to issues surrounding its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

According to the group, the planned lockdown will involve a temporary halt to commercial and public activities across parts of the South-East, which IPOB refers to as Biafran territories. The action, it said, is intended to show support for traders affected by the market closure in Onitsha.

IPOB called on traders, transport operators, banks, schools and civil servants in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and neighbouring areas to observe the lockdown peacefully and on a voluntary basis.

The group stressed that the action is non-violent and urged residents to remain law-abiding throughout the period. It also reiterated its position that dialogue remains central to its engagement on related issues.

No details were provided on enforcement or consequences for those who choose not to participate.