By PAMELA EBOH Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared Thursday, May 30, 2024 a sit-at-home day in Biafra Land for all Biafrans, friends of Biafra, lovers of freedom, and all residents in Biafra Land.

It said that the day which it tagged, heroes and heroines day would be used to remember the men and women “who died that we may live,” before, during, and after the Nigeria genocidal war against Biafrans between 1967 and 1970 and beyond and even until now.

IPOB in a statement on Thursday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, described 30th May as a solemn Day for Biafrans.

The statement reads in part: "Annually, 30th of May is solemn memorial day for Biafrans. To honor our heroes and heroines. Biafrans are asked to observe this one day sit-at-home in reverence to the spirits of our departed heroes who fought for us to be alive today.

"Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit-at-home on this day and reflect on the danger of the force unity called Nigeria that have taken millions of lives of Biafrans.

"Other Biafrans outside Biafra territory are also encouraged to honor our heroes by observing the sit-at-home if possible or by limiting their activities on this day.

"To that effect, IPOB directs all schools, government offices, Private offices, Banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down all operations in honor of our heroes and heroines on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

"Exceptions to this directives are institutions and individuals on special duties such as Nurses, Doctors, Ambulance services, Hospitals, and medical workers who are allowed to operate on that day. We call on Christians and Traditional worshipers to use this day to pray to Chukwu Okike Abiama for the fallen heroes and also pray for Biafra Independence from this murderous contraption called Nigeria.

"Heroes Remembrance Day is a call to duty for Biafrans to remember and honour our fallen heroes who were brutally murdered between 1967 to 1970 during the genocidal war against Ndigbo before and beyond. Biafrans living in the Northern and Western part of Nigeria will join and stay indoors for this commemoration and remembrance of our heroes and heroines who died so that we may live.

"Biafrans and IPOB members in diaspora can organize peaceful rallies with permit from their host nations where possible. Symposium and seminars can be organized in foreign countries to tell our story to citizens of the World about the past and current genocide against Biafrans by the Nigerian State.

"At this special event, IPOB members must light candles in remembrance of our fallen heroes. Heroes like our eternal leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Retired General Phillip Efiong, Col. Achuzie (Air Raid), Frank Opigo, Okonkon Dem, Sam Mbakwe, Akanu Ibiam, and many others who contributed immensely to the survival of Biafrans from the extermination war led by Genocidists."

While saying that Biafrans will not forget what they did to fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, the group added: “We must tell the world our story until Biafra is completely restored.”

IPOB called on all the residents of Biafra Land to stay indoors from 6am to 6pm on May 30, 2024.

It further warned residents in Biafra land to avoid loitering about on this day, saying that those who intend to travel to and fro Biafra land must do so before the evening of May 29th.

It added: “Avoid any movement if you're not a medical personnel on duty or on emergency worker. Do not give the murderous Nigeria Security Forces and agent provocateurs an opportunity to harm you or destroy your business while impersonating IPOB and ESN.

“IPOB and ESN will not enforce the sit-at-home but Biafrans must not endanger their lives. Remember, don’t be a victim to the murderous Nigeria Security Forces and the agent provocateurs whose agenda is to blackmail IPOB through sponsored violence.

“For your own safety, please sit-at-home on Thursday May 30, 2024 and honour Biafran heroes and heroines. Do not endanger your lives.”

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