MASSOB praises South-East compliance with sit-at-home for Biafra Day anniversary

The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has commended residents of the South-East and parts of the South-South for complying with its sit-at-home directive to mark the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra.

In a statement issued on Saturday, MASSOB leader Uchenna Madu described the compliance as a voluntary expression of patriotism and a way to remember those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.

Madu stated that the voluntary observance demonstrated deep respect for the sacrifices made for the Biafran cause and reaffirmed a collective determination to honour the region’s history and preserve its heritage.

He reiterated the group’s commitment to a non-violent approach in its self-determination campaign and called for continued remembrance activities, including memorial services and prayers in churches across Biafra land.

A correspondent monitoring the situation in Enugu reported that businesses, major roads, and public offices were largely shut down, while the Akanu Ibiam International Airport recorded no flight activity during the period.

Despite the lockdown, some religious centres remained active, with worshippers attending special services to commemorate those who died in the civil war. At the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu, hundreds of parishioners were observed attending a solemn mass.

The directive for church-based observances came despite warnings from the Nigerian Army, which described the order as illegal and capable of causing unrest. On Friday, the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA stated that MASSOB’s directive was illegal and provocative and must be disregarded by all.

The Army warned that it would not tolerate any attempts to create disorder, urging clerics and residents to ignore the directive and continue with normal worship and activities while assuring them of adequate security protection.