By Steve Oko

• .Describes 59th Biafra anniversary as historic

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has declared this year’s Biafra anniversary celebration as highly significant to the renewed struggle for self-determination and restoration of Biafra.

The group, led by Uchenna Madu, said May 30, 2026, which marks the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, would be observed across the South-East with a sit-at-home exercise and memorial activities.

In a statement signed by its National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, MASSOB directed that markets, schools, banks, motor parks, and other public business premises across “Biafra land” should remain shut from 6am to 4pm on May 30.

The group said the exercise was aimed at honouring those who died during the Nigerian civil war and to demonstrate continued commitment to the Biafran cause.

“MASSOB, in the spirit of true Biafranism and brotherhood among Biafra agitators and Biafrans in general, has earlier declared May 30, 2026, commemoration of Biafra Anniversary ceremony with sit-at-home exercise in Biafra land for sober reflection,” the statement read.

It added that the closure of public places and services was “a mark of honour, respect and patriotism” to those who sacrificed their lives during the three-year civil war.

The group also directed churches across the South-East to hold memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, in honour of victims of the war.

According to MASSOB, the anniversary provides an opportunity for “sober reflection, remembrance and unity among the Biafran people.”

The separatist organisation further linked the anniversary to the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, demanding his immediate release.

“MASSOB is also using the Biafra declaration anniversary to show solidarity to our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is wrongly imprisoned for the sake of Biafra,” the statement added.

The group insisted that the struggle for Biafra remained unstoppable despite security crackdowns and arrests of agitators.

It also warned against any form of street protests, marches, or public gatherings during the anniversary, insisting that the observance would remain non-violent.

“There shall be no physical demonstration, street march, procession, or any other public functions in Biafraland on May 30, 2026,” MASSOB stated.

The organisation, however, alleged that heavy deployment of security personnel was expected across major South-East cities during the anniversary activities, describing such actions as signs of “fear and cowardice” by the Nigerian state.

“No amount of security intimidation, killings, detention, oppression, or incarceration will ever stop the willpower of an indigenous people for self-determination,” the group declared.