What IPOB Says
In a statement released on Friday and signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the separatist group announced what it described as a “Biafra-wide solidarity strike” — urging residents, traders, transport workers, banks, schools and all economic sectors in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi States to stay indoors and suspend commercial activities on Monday.
IPOB said the action is a direct reaction to Governor Soludo’s decision to shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week — a move the group condemns as an assault on free enterprise and the livelihoods of traders.
The group also accused Soludo and other South-East governors of colluding with “Abuja collaborators” to intimidate Igbo traders and undermine the broader struggle for Biafran self-determination. IPOB insisted that the lockdown is peaceful, voluntary and non-violent, urging participants to avoid clashes with security agents.
Soludo’s Market Closure and Crackdown
Governor Soludo ordered the one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market after visiting the iconic commercial hub — one of Nigeria’s largest — and finding shops locked on a Monday, which many traders say was in observance of a sit-at-home in solidarity with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the governor, the sit-at-home practice has become economic sabotage that threatens the state’s growth and undermines efforts to restore normal business activity. Soludo has warned traders that failure to comply will attract tough sanctions, including the potential revocation of shop ownership, redevelopment of market stalls, and even longer closures if Monday closures persist.
Soludo and his administration argue that improved security in the region nullifies claims that traders stay away due to fear, describing remaining closures as deliberate and harmful to commerce.
Reaction from Traders and Residents
Many traders at the Onitsha Main Market have defended their choice to keep shops closed on Mondays, saying the action is a voluntary show of solidarity with IPOB and its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in custody amid ongoing separatist trials.
Some market leaders and civil society voices have criticised Soludo’s crackdown, warning that the continued standoff could deepen economic pain for ordinary residents who rely on market activity for their daily livelihood.
Wider Implications for the South-East
The renewed IPOB sit-at-home highlights deep tensions between separatist movements and regional governments, posing a challenge to efforts by state authorities to normalise business and security in the South-East.
IPOB’s call for a peaceful lockdown comes as many residents brace for the disruptive effects of another Monday shutdown, with analysts warning that prolonged disruptions could weaken investment confidence and deepen unemployment in a region already struggling with infrastructure and economic recovery.
What to Expect on Monday
Traders, banks, schools and civil servants are being urged to remain indoors on Monday, February 2.
IPOB has stressed that the shutdown is meant to be peaceful and disciplined, with no violence.
Government officials have yet to issue a coordinated response to the latest declaration but are expected to release directives closer to the date.
This developing story will have significant impact on commerce, road traffic, and civic life across the South-East and will continue to evolve as Monday approaches.