Police allay fears as IPOB declares May 30 sit-at-home
The Indigenous People of Biafra has declared May 30, 2024, as a sit-at-home day across the South-East to celebrate those they termed Biafran heroes.
The pro-Biafran group said the day is set aside annually to celebrate their men and women who died in the Civil War between 1967 and 1970 and beyond.
It said there would be no movements in the region.
But in a swift reaction,the Anambra State Police Command said it would protect residents.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the spokesman for the police, Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “The police are committed to making sure that residents are protected wherever they are and as they go about their normal businesses, they should rest assured that they will have adequate security.”
Also reacting, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 13 Command, Josephine Ihunwo, said, “We are not yet aware of the development but residents are assured of adequate security as they go about their normal businesses everyday without any fear or intimidation by any group.”
The Zone 13 Police Command in Ukpo-Dinukofia, Anambra State controls police formations in Anambra, Enugu and some parts of Ebonyi State.
IPOB, in a press statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Thursday, asked the people of the South-East to observe sit-at-home on May 30 and reflect on the civil war.
It warned residents against loitering about on the announced day, saying anyone who intended to travel across the region should do so before the evening of May 29.
It said, “The global family of IPOB declares 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.
“Annually, we celebrate May 30 as our heroes and heroines day, when we remember the men and women who died that we may live, before, during, and after the war against Biafrans between 1967 and 1970 and beyond, and even until now.
“To honour 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 forced unity called Nigeria that has taken millions of lives of Biafrans.
“Other Biafrans outside Biafra territory are also encouraged to honour our heroes by observing the sit-at-home if possible or by limiting their activities on this day.”
According to the group, schools, government offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals were expected to shut down operations that day.
The message, however, gives exceptions for institutions and individuals on special duties such as nurses, doctors, ambulance services, hospitals, and medical workers only.
“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…
“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 Nigeria military.
“IPOB directs all the residents of Biafra land to stay indoors from 6 am to 6 pm on May 30, 2024. Avoid any movement if you are not a medical personnel on duty or an emergency worker.
“Do not allow the security forces and agent provocateurs 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. For your safety, please sit at home on Thursday, May 30, 2024, and honour Biafran heroes and heroines,” the statement added.
