“You Are Dishonouring Biafran Heroes, Heroines, Punishing Their Families”, Forum Tackles IPOB Over Lockdown

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Njiko Igbo Forum NIF, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, knocked the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, over its call for a lockdown of the South East region on May 30, 2025.

The Source reports that the Biafran agitation group had, in a statement, issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, last week, declared May 30, as Biafran Remembrance  Day ,to celebrate, honour and appreciate the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines of Igbo land during the Nigeria/Biafra fratricidal war of between 1967 and 1970.

According to IPOB, business activities, schools, offices, markets, and movements will be halted between the hours of 6.00 am and 6.00 pm, as a mark of respect for all those who lost their lives during the war.

However, reacting to the development, NIF, in a statement from its National President, Rev Dr Okechukwu Obioha,  insisted  that the IPOB lacks the power to make such proclamation. He noted that only the duly elected representatives of the people and the Government have the authority to do so.

While appreciating the laudable roles of IPOB in keeping alive the Biafran hope, the NIF however, distanced itself from the lockdown declaration.

“While we acknowledge IPOB as harmless, and unarmed support group of the South East’s and Igbo’s agitation for equity and fairness, we, however, distance  ourself from the words and style chosen to honour and remember these our cherished heroes and heroines.

“The word lockdown sounds confrontational and declared imprisonment on the people of the South East ( Igbo) known as Biafra on that hallowed day of 30th May 2025.

“IPOB is not the Government to declare such a holiday or lockdown.

“Before the birth of IPOB, 30th of May, 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 notable observation that people made was the three-minute silence that had always been observed by any Igbo in Nigeria by 12 noon on that day, no matter what you are doing, and whatever you are. It looked solemn, awesome and peaceful.

“Another major event that used to be held that day is  the delivery of lectures in various cities in Nigeria.

“Activities, and particularly economic ones, are not barred, or disrupted. People go to work, market, schools, and any activities of human endeavour, and conduct their normal activities. However, they are always conscious of the date and its import, and religiously observe three-minute silence.

“The three-minute silence is symbolic of the traditional way of hailing through backhands before shaking proper.

“Lock down from 6.00am to 6.00 pm, and paralyzing economic activities to observe 30th May 2025 is not feasible, as Governments of the day will not allow that, and the children, and living families of heroes and heroines you are seeking to honour, and remember, will be tensed up, deprived freedom of Movement, and live in hunger”,  Rev Dr Obioha stated.

To this end, the NIF called on IPOB and those entities and individuals that subscribe to the suffocation of the economy of the Igbo and the South East under the guise of observing Biafra  Day to have a rethink.

According to the Forum, the declaration of lockdown, cannot, in all honesty, be an honourable way to pay tribute to those that were killed during the Biafran war.