Citypost News Desk
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strongly worded condemnation of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over his recent remarks threatening to revoke market ownerships and rebuild them as a punitive response to traders observing the Monday sit-at-home.
In a press statement dated January 29, 2026, and signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group described the governor’s comments as “reckless and provocative,” alleging they form part of a broader plot to destabilize Igboland and weaken the Biafra self-determination movement.
IPOB argued that the sit-at-home observance is a voluntary and peaceful act of civil disobedience by traders in places such as Onitsha and Aba, aimed at demanding the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The group rejected claims that the closures are driven by fear or coercion, citing the governor’s own admission that markets operated on Mondays during the Christmas period.
The statement further alleged that the timing of Soludo’s remarks coincides with what IPOB described as growing international attention on the Biafra cause, warning that any escalation could threaten the relative calm currently enjoyed in parts of the South-East.
IPOB also cautioned against actions or rhetoric it says could portray the region as unstable, calling on its supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined. The group appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to closely monitor developments and hold political leaders accountable for statements it claims could endanger lives and livelihoods.
Reaffirming its commitment to non-violent agitation and a referendum-based approach, IPOB insisted that its push for self-determination remains unchanged, concluding with a call for vigilance among Biafrans.
The Anambra State Government has yet to officially respond to the allegations.
