Biafra Day: Businesses Shut Across Nnewi, Other Anambra Communities As Residents Observe IPOB Sit-at-Home

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Businesses and commercial activities were largely shut down across Nnewi and several communities in Anambra State on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as residents reportedly complied with a sit-at-home directive allegedly issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to mark Biafra Day.

IPOB, a proscribed separatist group advocating for the restoration of an independent Biafran state, had reportedly declared the day a no-economic-activity period in honour of its fallen heroes.

Sources said trading and other economic activities were grounded in Nnewi, the state’s industrial and commercial hub, as well as in Nnokwa, Nnobi, Awka-Etiti, Ekwulobia, Ekwulumili, Ihiala, and several other communities. Residents reported sparse vehicular movement and low human traffic throughout the day.

According to sources, many residents avoided markets, major junctions, and other public places, choosing instead to remain indoors, while security operatives, particularly the police, patrolled various parts of the state to maintain law and order.

Witnesses alleged that at about 7:20 a.m., two Siena vehicles carrying occupants dressed in red caps and blue overalls were seen chasing a black jeep with a covered registration number from Nnokwa towards Nnewi through the Nnobi axis.

Later in the afternoon, reports emerged of alleged gunfire along the Nnewi-Nnobi Road, popularly known as E-Dey Work Road. The incident reportedly caused panic among commercial motorcyclists operating along the route, forcing many to flee the area.

However, as of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed incidents capable of causing a major breach of peace in Awka, Nnewi, Nnobi, or other parts of Anambra State in connection with the observance.

The police had earlier assured residents of adequate security and reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state during the commemoration.