The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a sit-at-home directive across the south-east region of the country on October 1.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the group’s spokesman Emma Powerful, IPOB alleged plan by “terrorist groups to slaughter our children” if they go out to celebrate or march on Independence Day.
The group also urged every Nigerian to boycott every ceremony that will be organised by the government on that day.
“We the global movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to announce to all Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom all over the world that Biafrans across the globe shall observe a sit-at-home in Biafraland and where permissible in the diaspora, join our Yoruba brethren agitating for Oduduwa Republic, in public protests to mark the October 1, 2020,” the statement read.
“We, therefore, enjoin all Biafrans and every conscious Nigerian, especially those ethnic nationalities reeling from the triple double blow of state-sponsored terrorism, bad governance and economic annihilation, to boycott every government organised ceremony designed to eulogise the failure that Nigeria has become.
“This is the time to let the world know how disastrously intolerable human existence is in Nigeria today.
“If you want to see an end to terrorism and organised mediocrity, now is the time to register your anger by ensuring that you and your household sit-at-home on October 1, 2020. Do not risk the life and well-being of your children by allowing them to gather in groups in the open where terrorists may find it easier to blow them up or kidnap them.
“There is credible intelligence that terrorist groups are planning to slaughter our children should they venture out to celebrate or March on October 1st.”
The statement concluded: “We, therefore, urge that all markets, schools and businesses in Biafraland and beyond be shut down as a mark of respect to all those who have died as a result of terrorism against innocent civilians especially Christians, ethnic cleansing in Southern Kaduna and elsewhere across the Middle Belt.”
