IPOB Declares Feb. 2 Sit-at-Home Across South-East Over Onitsha Market Dispute
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a region-wide sit-at-home scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, across the five South-East states, describing the action as a solidarity lockdown in support of traders in Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said the planned shutdown is a response to the Anambra State government’s recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and threats of further sanctions against traders who continue to observe Monday sit-at-home protests.
IPOB maintained that the action would be peaceful and voluntary, urging residents, businesses, transport operators, schools, and civil servants across the region to suspend activities for the day. The group said the move is also tied to its long-standing demand for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The declaration follows ongoing tensions between the Anambra State government and traders over the economic impact of repeated Monday shutdowns. Governor Charles Soludo has previously insisted that markets must operate on Mondays to protect the state’s economy, warning against continued closures.
Despite the standoff, IPOB said it remains committed to non-violence and called on supporters to remain law-abiding during the planned lockdown. The group added that the protest is intended to draw attention to what it described as injustice against its members and sympathisers.
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