IPOB Declears Monday Shutdown Across S’East

IPOB Declears Monday Shutdown Across S’East

The Indigenous People of Biafra, declaring a sit-at-home across the South-East on Monday, February 2, 2026. The group said the action is in support of traders affected by the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State.

This decision followed an order by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to shut the market for one week. The governor said the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home, first declared by IPOB in July 2021, was damaging the state’s economy and warned residents against further compliance.

When the response came was on Friday, when IPOB issued a statement faulting the governor’s action. Traders in the market had earlier said they stayed away from work in solidarity with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention and is facing trial over separatist-related charges.

Where the impact is expected to be felt is across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi states, as well as other areas described by the group as Biafran territories. IPOB accused Soludo of aligning with what it called “Abuja collaborators” to suppress Igbo traders and the wider self-determination struggle.

IPOB maintained that the sit-at-home is voluntary and urged residents to stay indoors peacefully. It stated, “On Monday, February 2, 2026, we call on all Biafrans across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and beyond to observe this solidarity strike peacefully.”

The group again demanded the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Government had not reacted to the declaration.