The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB has directed all churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The services are aimed at honouring and remembering millions of lives lost in the Nigerian-Biafran civil war, the group said.
The directive is part of activities marking the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.
This was contained in a statement by the National Director of Information of MASSOB, Edeson Samuel.
The statement from the faction of the movement led by Comrade Uchenna Madu said this year’s anniversary was a major milestone in the ongoing struggle for self-determination.
The separatist group had earlier declared a mandatory sit-at-home order on Saturday, May 30, 2026, across the region as part of the commemoration, describing it as a day of sober reflection, remembrance and civil disobedience.
“MASSOB has earlier announced that all markets, public and private motor parks, schools, banks and other public business premises shall remain closed from 6 am to 4pm on 30th May, 2026,” Samuel said.
“The closure of these public places and services are signs of honour, respect and patriotism to our fatherland. It is a mark of appreciation and recognition of the many sacrifices and prices our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters rendered for Biafra during the three years of war.”
But the pro-Biafra group cautioned its members against any form of public gathering that could lead to confrontations with security agencies.
There would be no physical demonstrations, street marches, processions or any other public functions anywhere in the region on May 30, the statement said.
The group also said it is using the 59th anniversary to show solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Indigenous People of Biafra), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu), while demanding his immediate and unconditional release from state custody.
MASSOB said major cities in the region are likely to be heavily populated with security agents before the anniversary and urged residents to remain resolute.
“MASSOB knows that the armed Nigerian Army, Mobile Police, DSS operatives and Civil Defence will be heavily deployed in major cities. ’No matter how much intimidation, killings, detention or oppression by security, the willpower of an indigenous people for self-determination will never be stopped,’ the statement said.
