An Igbo group, Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), yesterday, distanced itself from the May 30, 2025, lockdown declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East region in remembrance of heroes and heroines of the Biafra struggle.

IPOB had, in a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, last week, declared May 30 as “Biafra Day” and a work-free day to enable members to celebrate those who died while fighting for the restoration of the Biafra republic.

It declared that markets, schools, banks and several other activities should remain closed as a mark of honour to the dead heroes and heroines of Biafra.

But reacting to the development, NIF stated that IPOB is not a government that should declare such a lockdown or holiday in the South-East. A statement by the National President of the Forum, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, read: “The attention of Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), a 26-year-old socio-political advocacy group of the South-East, has been drawn to IPOB’s directive of lockdown in remembrance of Biafra heroes and heroines on May 30, 2025.

“While we give it to IPOB, as a harmless and armless support group of the South-East, we want to distance ourselves from the words and style chosen to honour and remember those cherished heroes and heroines.

“The word ‘lockdown’ sounds strong, confrontational and declares imprisonment on the people of the South-East (Igbo). IPOB is not the government to declare such a holiday or lockdown.

“Before the birth of IPOB, May 30 every year, in the past, had solemnly been observed as a significant/remarkable date and with very remarkable events in different ways voluntarily.”

“Biafrans had observed this date by wearing black, putting black ribbons on their left chest breasts and black wrist bands. The most observed thing was the three-minute silence that had always been observed by any Igbo in Nigeria by noon on that day, no matter what you are doing and wherever you are. It looked solemn and awesome, and peaceful.

“Another major event that was held that day was lectures of a kind in various cities in Nigeria.

“Economic activities are not barred or disrupted. You go to work, market, schools and any activity of human endeavour and are conscious of the date but observe three minutes’ silence.”

It argued that declaring a “lockdown from 6: 00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and paralysing economic activities on May 30, 2025, is not feasible, as governments of the day will not allow that, and the children and living families of the heroes and heroines you are seeking to honour and remember will be tensed up, deprived freedom of movement and live in hunger.”