Onitsha Market Closure, Nnamdi Kanu: IPOB announces Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown on February 2

IPOB rally

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, in support of traders affected by the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and in connection with its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

According to IPOB, the planned action will involve a temporary shutdown of commercial and public activities across parts of the South-East, which the group describes as Biafran territories. IPOB said the lockdown is intended as a demonstration of support for Onitsha traders. The statement called on traders, transport operators, financial institutions, schools and civil servants across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and other areas to observe the lockdown peacefully and voluntarily.

IPOB emphasised that the planned action is non-violent and that participants should remain law-abiding. The group also reiterated its commitment to dialogue regarding its objectives.

The organisation’s statement did not provide details on enforcement measures or penalties for non-compliance. Vanguard