Tension Rises: Police Clash With IPOB Over May 30th Lockdown Declaration

The Anambra State Police Command has pledged to ensure the safety of lives and property amid the declaration of May 30, 2025, as a public holiday and sit-at-home day across the South-East by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Monday, IPOB announced that there would be a complete shutdown of activities across the region—including travel by road, air, and sea—from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The group said the directive is in honour of Biafran heroes and heroines who died during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.

IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, stated that schools, markets, churches, mosques, and all public gatherings would be closed on that day. He explained that the day was set aside for reflection on the sacrifices made during the Biafran struggle and to spotlight the ongoing marginalisation of the Igbo people.

“This lockdown is to honour those who gave their lives for Biafra. Families are encouraged to stay indoors, reflect on the genocide of 1967–1970, and consider the continued marginalisation of Ndigbo in Nigeria,” Powerful said.

The group further disclosed plans to organise memorial lectures both locally and internationally throughout the month of May, culminating in the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day. IPOB also called on Biafrans in the diaspora to hold town hall meetings and demonstrations to demand the restoration of Biafra.

Additionally, IPOB urged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to reschedule any exams slated for that day in the South-East to allow students and communities to observe the lockdown.

While the group made it clear that all non-essential services must shut down, it noted that essential workers—including doctors, nurses, ambulance services, journalists, firefighters, and petroleum workers—would be exempt.

Powerful warned transporters to remain off the roads and advised the public to stay indoors to avoid any security incidents.

In response, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reassured residents of their safety and encouraged them to continue with their lawful activities.

“We are not aware of any official lockdown directive, but we assure the public of adequate security. Residents should feel free to go about their normal business without fear,” Ikenga said.