IPOB Declares May 30 Public Holiday to Honour departed Biafrans

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has announced a sit at home order for May 30, urging its supporters not to venture out for work or anywhere else.

The group said the day would be to used to honour the Igbos who had lost their lives in sectarian killings in the country from 1945 to date.

This was announced in a press statement from the group’s Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, which was made available to our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday.

Part of the release stated that prayers would be held at designated places to mark the day, as this year’s event had been marked for  prayer, fasting, supplication and introspection. 

The statement reads, “On the 30th of May 2017 as it is now the tradition, since our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu held the inaugural event at our Cenotaph in Enugu on 30 May 2014, we shall honour the gallant and brave Biafran soldiers that withstood the might of the British sponsored coalition against Biafra between 1967 and 1970.

“Our heroes and heroines of the class of 1967-1970who paid the ultimate price in defence of the dignity of the black race during this genocidal war against the people of Biafra, will be remembered and honoured in the finest traditions of IPOB. 

The statement added “We shall also remember all the matyred freedom fighters (IPOB & MASSOB) that fell in pursuit of our liberation from the oppression and the tyranny of Nigerian Army, Police, Navy and DSS. 

“We can never forget them and we must always honour them as long as there are Biafrans on the face of the earth. Every victim of unwarranted state sponsored sectarian violence in Nigeria will also be remembered.

“All those that sacrificed their lives in the field of battle and protests that this present generation of Biafrans might live, will be honoured, including the victims of Asaba Massacre. They will be  honoured with a two minute silence immediately the clock strikes 12noon on the 30th of May 2017.”

The group said that it expects that every man, woman and children would observe this great annual event by staying at home and not engaging in any business activity. 

“There will be no movement in Biafraland, both human and vehicular. Biafraland will be shut down completely as a mark of dignified respect to those that sacrificed their lives for us. 

“That is the least we can do to show them and Almighty God  that this generation of IPOB and those to come will remain forever indebted to them that gave their lives to stop the elimination of the Biafra race from the face of the earth,” it said.