MASSOB Declares May 30 Sit-at-Home to Mark 59th Biafra Anniversary

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has declared May 30, 2026, as Biafra Day, calling for a sit-at-home across “Biafra land” to mark the 59th anniversary of the 1967 declaration of Biafra by Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

In a statement issued by National Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, the group said markets, public and private motor parks, schools, banks, and other business premises should remain closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 30 for sober reflection.

MASSOB described the closure as a mark of honour, respect and patriotism and a way to acknowledge the sacrifices made during the Nigerian Civil War. 

The group also said the anniversary would be used to show solidarity with detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom it said is wrongly imprisoned for the sake of Biafra. MASSOB demanded his immediate release and called for justice for all Biafrans it said have been unjustly detained or persecuted.

According to the statement, there will be no physical demonstrations, street marches, processions, or other public functions in the region on the day. 

MASSOB said participation in the sit-at-home would be voluntary and that its members would observe the day indoors, adding that it would not molest or compel anyone to comply.

The group said it expects a heavy security presence in major cities of the South-East on May 30, describing it as a sign of the Nigerian state’s “jittery, fear and cowardice.”

MASSOB, led by Comrade Uchenna Madu, said the annual sit-at-home has been central to its non-violent campaign for self-determination and would continue until its goal is achieved.