The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared Monday, February 2, 2026, a total lockdown across the five South-East states, escalating tensions between the separatist group and the Anambra State Government over the ongoing enforcement of market activities on Mondays.
The directive was announced in a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, who said the planned sit-at-home is intended as a solidarity action with traders affected by the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market.
IPOB Declares “Solidarity Lockdown”
According to the statement, the lockdown will involve a complete shutdown of economic and social activities across what the group described as Biafran territories.
IPOB said the action is also meant to protest what it described as harsh measures by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The group insisted that the planned sit-at-home is peaceful and aimed at demonstrating unity among supporters and traders.
IPOB also referenced its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the lockdown as part of ongoing solidarity efforts connected to his continued detention.
Clash of Authority Over Monday Market Activities
The declaration comes days after Governor Soludo ordered traders, especially those operating in Onitsha Main Market, to resume normal Monday trading, warning that continued compliance with sit-at-home orders could attract extended market closures and other sanctions.
The governor had earlier described repeated market shutdowns as economic sabotage and accused unnamed actors of orchestrating disruptions to weaken the region’s economy.
IPOB, however, in its latest statement, described the government’s actions as oppressive and insisted traders have the right to observe the sit-at-home directive.
Background: Growing Sit-At-Home Tensions
Sit-at-home orders have remained one of the most controversial security and political issues in Nigeria’s South-East region. While supporters say the action is a form of civil protest, critics—including state governments—argue that it cripples local economies, disrupts schooling, and increases hardship for ordinary residents.
Onitsha Main Market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, plays a critical role in regional trade. Any prolonged shutdown typically affects supply chains, transport operations, and small-scale businesses across multiple states.
Key Implications
The latest declaration could have far-reaching effects:
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Economic Impact: A total lockdown could significantly disrupt trade across the South-East.
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Political Tension: The development signals a direct confrontation between state authority and separatist directives.
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Security Concerns: Lockdown enforcement periods have historically raised fears of violence or coercion.
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Regional Stability: The situation could influence broader security and governance discussions in the region.
What Happens Next
Attention is now focused on how residents, traders, and security agencies will respond on February 2. State governments and federal security forces are expected to monitor compliance and maintain order across the region.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no fresh official response from the Anambra State Government to IPOB’s latest declaration.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether tensions escalate further or if dialogue can help de-escalate the situation.
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