The Nigerian police have rejected the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) planned sit-at-home order on May 30, 2025, across the South-East, aimed at commemorating Biafran heroes and heroines who died during the 1967-1970 Civil War.

IPOB declared the day a public holiday and announced a complete ban on all movement—by road, air, and sea — between 6am and 6pm, warning that no human activity would be permitted within “Biafran territory.”

In response, the Anambra State Police Command assured the public of adequate security, urging residents to go out freely and about their normal business without fear.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, said, “We are not aware of the lockdown order, but the residents are assured of adequate security and are encouraged to go about their lawful business without entertaining any fear.”

He added that while the police would not force people to leave their homes, they would ensure the safety of anyone engaging in lawful activities.

IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, outlined the group’s plans to hold memorial lectures both in Nigeria and internationally throughout the month of May, leading up to the May 30 observance.

“The IPOB family and movement inform Biafrans, supporters of Biafra, and freedom advocates that May 30, 2025, is designated a public holiday and lockdown across the South-East in honour of Biafran heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice for our existence,” Powerful said in a statement.

He further stated that the day would be marked by a total shutdown of schools, markets, churches, mosques, and public gatherings.

Powerful also noted that the sit-at-home order is meant to reflect on the events of the Biafran War, stating, “We urge all Biafrans and supporters of freedom to comply with this directive.”

In preparation for the day, IPOB has informed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to adjust the May/June Senior Secondary School Examination schedule in the South-East, so as not to conflict with the order.

The police, however, remain firm in their stance, ensuring that citizens will not be restricted in carrying out their lawful activities.

SP Ikenga stated, “We will provide adequate security for anyone who comes out to carry out his lawful activity on the said day.”

Additionally, IPOB has asked Biafrans in the diaspora to organise town hall meetings or public demonstrations to show support for the movement and advocate for the restoration of Biafra.

“IPOB and Ndigbo globally will pay tribute to all fallen heroes, including our eternal leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen. Philip Efiong, Chief Dr. Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and many others who stood against the genocide and destruction of our people by Nigerian and British forces and their allies,” said Powerful.

Only emergency and essential service providers, such as ambulance operators, doctors, nurses, journalists, and NUPENG members, will be exempt from the lockdown, according to the IPOB statement.

Powerful warned, “We advise everyone to remain indoors on May 30 to avoid any confrontation or stray bullets from security operatives.”

A similar event held last year led to violent clashes, particularly in Abia State, where some soldiers lost their lives.

The Nigerian police have vowed to ensure peace and security during the planned observance of the Biafran Heroes Memorial Day.

A candidate of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, Opesusi Faith Timilehin, has committed suicide.

The 19-year-old reportedly took her life on Monday after consuming ‘Push Out’ rat poison due to scoring 190 in the just-released Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) result.

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER reports that Timilehin, who was living with her elder sister in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, was said to have sat for the same examination in 2024, and her last year’s result was better than this year.

An eyewitness explained that the deceased, at her sister’s office, requested palm oil to ease the pain she was going through after taking the poison at home.

“The source further stated that her sister, who didn’t initially know the cause of the pain, ignored her and later raised an alarm after Timilehin confessed on the way to the hospital that she had taken poison at home.

Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to settle the ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government.

Lamido made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled “Being True To Myself.”

In his remarks, Lamido said it was time for the Nigerian government to bring closure to the June 12, 1993, presidential election saga.

He noted that Abiola, who won the election but was denied the presidency, was still being wronged decades later.

“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election,” Lamido said.

According to him, when he once met with Babangida, the former military leader disclosed that Abiola was being owed ₦45 billion by the government.

“Abiola is double punished. One, he was denied the presidency. Two, he is being owed. Please tell [Tinubu] to pay Abiola’s family the ₦45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important,” Lamido stated, addressing the Minister of Information who represented the President at the event.

In addition to his appeal, Lamido expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the success of his book project.

He thanked Allah for sparing his life to witness the occasion and extended heartfelt appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration.”

“Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being,” he said to Obasanjo, who was present at the event and also wrote the book’s foreword.

He acknowledged General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his integrity and service to the nation, and praised the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious unity and attending the event despite his tight schedule.

Lamido further appreciated Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for reviewing the book and referred to him as a longtime friend and comrade.

He also commended the Editorial and Organising Committees for their commitment, and the Media Subcommittee for creating nationwide awareness about the book.

The book launch drew notable figures and stirred fresh conversation around the unresolved issues surrounding the 1993 election and the late MKO Abiola’s legacy.