The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a sit-at-home exercise for Monday, February 2, 2026, across the five South-East states. The group said the action is in solidarity with traders in Onitsha, following the Anambra State Government’s directive for businesses to resume activities on Mondays.

In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the planned lockdown as peaceful. The group said the move is a response to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to reopen markets and warnings issued to traders who observe the Monday sit-at-home. IPOB accused the state government of taking actions it described as harsh and unfair against traders.

According to the statement, the sit-at-home will involve a complete shutdown of economic activities across the South-East and other areas the group refers to as Biafran territories. IPOB said the action is meant to express unity and protest the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market.

The development sets the stage for another tense Monday in the region, as residents and traders weigh security concerns against economic pressures. While the Anambra State Government has urged people to go about their normal activities, IPOB maintains that the February 2 sit-at-home remains in effect.