The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has commended residents of the South-East and parts of the South-South for complying with its sit-at-home directive marking the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 30, 2026, MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, described the compliance as a voluntary expression of patriotism and remembrance of those who died during the Nigerian Civil War.

“The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) congratulates the great people of Biafra for observing today’s sit-at-home exercise in commemoration of the 59th anniversary declaration of Biafra by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1967.

“Your voluntary sit-at-home observance directed by MASSOB demonstrates your deep respect and remembrance of the sacrifices made for the Biafran cause. Your solidarity and unity today reaffirm our collective determination to honor our history and preserve our heritage,” the statement read.

Madu reaffirmed the group’s commitment to a non-violent approach to its self-determination campaign and called for continued remembrance activities across the region.

“We reiterate our earlier and passionate call and directives to churches in Biafra land to observe memorial services, prayers, and thanksgiving to God Almighty for keeping Biafra,” he said.

Our correspondent, who monitored compliance in Enugu, reports that businesses, major roads, and public offices were largely shut down, while the Akanu Ibiam International Airport recorded no flight activity during the period.

Despite the lockdown, religious centres in some areas remained active, with worshippers attending special services and prayers in commemoration of the civil war dead. At the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, hundreds of parishioners were observed attending solemn mass.

The directive for church-based observances comes amid warnings from the Nigerian Army, which described the order as illegal and capable of causing unrest.

On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA said MASSOB’s directive to churches was “illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all.”

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said: “The directive by MASSOB is therefore illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all. Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The Army said it would not tolerate any attempts to create disorder, urging clerics and residents to disregard the directive and continue with normal worship and activities, while assuring them of adequate security protection.

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