The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has announced plans to mark the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra with a sit-at-home exercise across the South-East and other parts of the former Eastern Region on May 30, 2026.
The group described this year’s commemoration as “significant” to the ongoing self-determination struggle for the actualisation and restoration of Biafra.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Director of Information of MASSOB, Comrade Edeson Samuel, the organisation said the anniversary would serve as a period of remembrance, sober reflection, and renewed solidarity among Biafrans.
“May 30th, 2026 marks the 59th year anniversary of Biafra declaration by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu,” the statement read.
The group directed churches across what it described as “Biafra land” to hold memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in honour of those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.
“MASSOB direct all churches in Biafra land to engage in memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, 31st May 2026 to remember and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Biafran War,” Samuel stated.
According to the group, all markets, schools, banks, public and private motor parks, and other business premises are expected to remain shut between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on May 30 as part of the sit-at-home exercise.
“MASSOB have earlier declared that all markets, public/private motor parks, schools, banks, and other public business premises shall remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on 30th May, 2026,” the statement added.
The organisation described the shutdown as a mark of honour and patriotism in remembrance of those who died during the civil war.
“The closure of public places and services on 30th May 2026 are marks of honour, respect and patriotism to our fatherland. It is a mark of appreciation and acknowledgement of the numerous sacrifices and prices our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters rendered for Biafra during the three years war,” MASSOB stated.
The group also used the occasion to demand the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial on terrorism-related charges.
“MASSOB is also using the Biafra declaration anniversary to show solidarity to our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is wrongly imprisoned for the sake of Biafra. We demand his immediate release and call for justice for all Biafrans who have been unjustly detained or persecuted,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Biafra agitation, the group insisted that the self-determination struggle would continue despite security crackdowns.
“Our struggle for Biafra is unstoppable and we will continue to fight until our homeland is restored,” Samuel declared.
MASSOB, however, clarified that there would be no street protests, marches, or public demonstrations during the anniversary.
“There shall be no physical demonstration, street march, procession or any other public functions in Biafra land on May 30th 2026. Sunday, 31st will be the national thanksgiving for the people of Biafra,” the statement added.
The group further alleged that security agencies were expected to deploy heavily across major cities in the South-East during the commemoration.
“MASSOB knows that there will be heavy presence of armed Nigeria Army, Mobile Police, DSS operatives and Civil Defence in major cities of Biafra land during our annual Biafra Day Anniversary Celebration. They are all signs of jittery, fear and cowardice of Nigeria state over Biafra,” it claimed.
The organisation maintained that no amount of intimidation or force would stop the agitation for self-determination.
“No amount of security intimidation, killings, detention, oppression, or incarceration will ever stop the will power of an indigenous people for self-determination,” the statement concluded.
