The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced May 30, 2026, as a solemn day dedicated to remembering millions of people who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement released on Friday by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the annual Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day as a time for reflection, mourning, and honouring fallen Biafran heroes and heroines.
The group stated that the remembrance remains “a sacred covenant between the living and the dead,” stressing that the memories of those who died during the war must never be forgotten.
According to IPOB, the occasion is not a celebration but a moment of sober reflection on the sacrifices made by men, women, and children during the Biafran struggle.
“The memory of our departed fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children is not negotiable. It cannot be erased by propaganda, political convenience, or historical revisionism,” the statement read.
IPOB alleged that efforts had been made over the years to suppress memories of the war and the humanitarian crisis that followed it.
The group noted that the conflict left behind painful experiences, including starvation, displacement, and the deaths of civilians, insisting that the annual remembrance is necessary to preserve history.
It also paid tribute to soldiers, scientists, mothers, children, and civilians who lost their lives during the war, saying their sacrifices created a sacred responsibility for future generations to remember them.
Despite the devastation caused by the conflict, IPOB maintained that “the spirit of Biafra survived.”
The group further stated that the remembrance day should serve as an opportunity to reflect on justice, accountability, and political restructuring in Nigeria.
IPOB added that renewed discussions surrounding the causes of the civil war and the events leading up to it have strengthened the need for remembrance and historical reflection.
Speaking on behalf of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the group called on Biafrans both in Nigeria and in the diaspora to observe the day peacefully.
It urged supporters to remain indoors and engage in quiet reflection in honour of those who died during the conflict.
“Let our towns be quiet. Let our roads be empty. Let our homes become places of reflection,” the statement added.
The group also encouraged families to use the occasion to remember loved ones lost during the war and to preserve the history and identity of the Biafran people for future generations.
According to IPOB, the remembrance is not only about mourning the dead but also about passing down the memory of their sacrifices to generations yet unborn.
The group concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of those who died during the war while reaffirming its commitment to keeping their memories alive.