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.
Edeson Samuel, the National Director of Information of MASSOB, said this in a statement.
The statement said this year’s anniversary was a major milestone in the ongoing struggle for self-determination, according to the faction of the movement led by Comrade Uchenna Madu.
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.
Samuel said, “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.
“The closing of these public places and services are signs of honor, 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.”
However, the pro-Biafra group warned its members against any form of public gatherings that could lead to confrontations with security agencies.
The statement said there will be no physical demonstrations, street marches, processions or any other public functions anywhere in the region on May 30.
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.
Aware that major cities in the region are likely to be heavily deployed with security agents before the anniversary, MASSOB called on residents to stay firm.
“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 security intimidation, killings, detention or oppression, the willpower of an indigenous people for self-determination will never be stopped,” the statement said.
