January 29, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Anambra, Nigeria — The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply condemned Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for what the group described as “reckless, provocative and dangerous” threats to revoke ownership of the Onitsha Main Market and other markets across the state. The threats were made in response to continued observance of the weekly Monday sit-at-home protest by traders in parts of the South-East.
In a statement issued Thursday and signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, the group accused Soludo of planning to punish traders who voluntarily close their businesses on Mondays in solidarity with the detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB called the governor’s remarks “provocative” and alleged they form part of a broader agenda to undermine the Biafra self-determination movement.
IPOB said Soludo’s threat to revoke market ownership, rebuild facilities, and reallocate stalls was an attempt to intimidate business owners and provoke instability in Anambra State and the wider Igbo region. The group also claimed the timing of Soludo’s comments was suspicious, noting that markets had operated freely on Mondays during the Christmas and New Year period without incidents, contradicting government claims of insecurity driving the closures.
According to IPOB, the sit-at-home closures are a peaceful expression of solidarity demanding Kanu’s release, rather than acts of coercion or fear. The group accused the Nigerian government and allied interests of misrepresenting the practice to weaken international sympathy for the Biafra cause and to portray the South-East as unstable.
IPOB warned residents of Anambra and the South-East to remain vigilant against what it described as “false flag operations, media manipulation and provocations” that could be used to justify further crackdowns. The group urged supporters and regional residents to maintain discipline and a commitment to non-violent protest, reiterating its goal of a referendum on Biafra’s future.
The statement appealed to human rights organisations, the international community, and “well-meaning Nigerians” to hold Soludo accountable for comments it said could endanger lives and livelihoods. IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to a “peaceful and lawful struggle” for self-determination, insisting that its movement remains focussed on non-violent efforts and international engagement.