IPOB Cancels Monday Sit-at-Home Across South-East
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the south-east with immediate effect.
In a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the directive came from the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, urging residents to return to work, reopen markets, and send children to school without fear.
“The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement read.
Powerful warned that anyone attempting to enforce the sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s directive.
The sit-at-home began in 2021 as a protest against Kanu’s arrest and detention.
Initially linked to his court appearances, it later became a weekly exercise, often enforced violently by armed groups.
Despite previous IPOB suspensions, compliance persisted in many areas due to fear of attacks, causing economic losses and school closures.
State governments repeatedly called on residents to ignore the order.
In recent months, some south-east governors moved to end the practice.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the reopening of markets and schools on Mondays, warning that public servants who fail to report to work would face salary deductions.
IPOB had previously accused state governments of intimidation, including market closures and threats of demolition, insisting governors cannot force citizens to stay at home.
The group reiterated that Kanu has now ordered a full end to the Monday sit-at-home and urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” IPOB said, calling on citizens to remain law-abiding and vigilant.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
