February 8, 2026
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of the long-standing Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, following a directive issued by its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Sunday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said the decision takes immediate effect from Monday, February 9, 2026, bringing an end to all sit-at-home observances previously associated with Mondays in the region.
According to the statement, the directive was issued personally by Kanu, who is currently being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, and was motivated by concerns over the continued disruption of education, economic activities, and daily life in the South-East.
“Monday Sit-at-Home Is Over” — IPOB
IPOB said Kanu instructed that children must return to school on Mondays and that residents should resume their normal economic and social activities without fear or intimidation.
“There is no longer any excuse or justification for staying at home on Mondays,” the group stated, adding that markets, schools, offices, transport services, and all businesses are expected to operate fully and normally.
The organisation warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s explicit directive and would be treated as enemies of the Biafran cause.
Warning Against False-Flag Enforcement
IPOB also cautioned residents against what it described as possible false-flag operations, alleging that hostile actors may attempt to stage attacks or intimidation to create fear and discourage people from resuming normal activities.
The group urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while insisting that any attempt to impose sit-at-home would be confronted.
Position on Government Threats to Traders
While announcing the cancellation, IPOB criticised threats allegedly issued by some state authorities against traders, warning that governors do not have the right to demolish or forcibly shut down markets over sit-at-home compliance.
The statement specifically referenced Anambra State, saying that any demolition threats or forced closures of markets would be resisted, and called for dialogue and stakeholder consent in any market renovation or relocation projects.
IPOB further insisted that any redevelopment requiring temporary relocation of traders must include the provision of adequate alternative trading sites.
Call for Unity and Normalcy
The group concluded by calling on residents across the South-East to open their shops, go to work, and send their children to school from Monday without fear, stressing that the struggle it represents is about freedom, dignity, and justice rather than economic hardship for the population.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement said.
Post a Comment