The Indigenous People of Biafra has announced a sit-at-home to be observed on Monday, February 2, 2026, across the South-East. The group said the action is meant to support traders at the Onitsha Main Market following the decision of the Anambra State Government to shut the market for one week.
The announcement came after Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market, citing continued compliance with the sit-at-home that has been observed on Mondays in the state since July 2021. The governor had warned that the exercise was damaging the state’s economy and urged residents to stop observing it.
IPOB, in a statement issued on Friday, said the sit-at-home declared for February 2 would cover Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and other areas it described as Biafran territories. The group said the action was a response to what it viewed as unfair treatment of traders who chose to stay away from work in solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group accused the Anambra State Government of targeting traders and attempting to weaken the agitation for self-determination. It insisted that the sit-at-home observed by residents was voluntary and not enforced by the organisation.
IPOB called on residents of the South-East to remain indoors on the declared date and suspend all business activities. It also urged supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the sit-at-home.
The group restated its demand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial, and warned that actions affecting traders’ livelihoods could increase tension in the region. As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Government had not reacted to the latest declaration.