Conspiracy by South-East govts against Biafra restoration – IPOB
The socio-political landscape of South-East Nigeria has taken a volatile turn following the recent shutdown of the iconic Onitsha Main Market. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially reacted to the development, labeling the closure a “grand conspiracy” by South-East governors, led by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to sabotage the movement for Biafra restoration.
In a strongly worded statement released on January 29, 2026, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, alleged that the shutdown is part of a broader, sinister agenda orchestrated to destabilize Igboland and undermine the struggle for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Onitsha Market Crisis: What Happened?
The tension began when Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week. This punitive measure was taken after traders in the market—reputed as the largest in West Africa—failed to open for business on Monday, opting instead to observe the weekly “sit-at-home” protest.
To enforce the order, the state government deployed armored tanks and heavily armed security personnel to the market gates. Governor Soludo further upped the ante by threatening to extend the closure to a full month if compliance is not met, while also warning 12 other major markets in the state of similar repercussions.
IPOB Responds: “A Script from Abuja”
IPOB has not taken these developments lightly. In their latest press release, the group described Soludo’s actions as “reckless” and “provocative.” According to the group, the Governor’s threats to revoke market ownership and rebuild them are aimed at punishing citizens for their solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu.
“This is a malevolent agenda orchestrated from Abuja to sabotage the Biafra restoration movement from within,” the statement read. IPOB further compared the Governor’s approach to historical figures who they claim betrayed Biafran interests during and after the civil war.
The Debate Over “Voluntary” Sit-at-Home
One of the most contentious points in this unfolding drama is the motivation behind the Monday market closures. While the government views the sit-at-home as a product of fear and intimidation by “hoodlums,” IPOB argues that the observance is a voluntary act of civil disobedience.
The group pointed out that during the 2025 Christmas shopping season, markets functioned on Mondays without incident, which they claim debunks the narrative that traders stay home out of terror. Instead, they insist that the closure of shops is a peaceful protest by business owners in Onitsha and Aba to demand justice and the release of their leader.
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
The closure of Onitsha Main Market has significant economic implications for the region. As a hub for West African trade, even a week-long shutdown results in billions of Naira in lost revenue. However, IPOB suggests that the timing of this crackdown is strategically linked to international politics.
The group alleged that the Nigerian government is spending heavily on lobbying firms in Washington D.C. to paint the South-East as an ungovernable and unstable region. They believe Governor Soludo’s recent actions are designed to create “chaos” that would justify further state oppression and discourage international recognition of the Biafran cause.
Call for Vigilance and Peace
Despite the high tensions, IPOB has urged its followers to remain disciplined and avoid falling into “false flag operations.” The group warned against any form of violence that could turn Anambra into a theater of conflict, similar to the instability seen in parts of Imo State.
“The world must witness our maturity and commitment to dialogue, not the chaos Soludo and his handlers seek to engineer,” the group stated, while calling on human rights organizations to hold the state government accountable for endangering the livelihoods of thousands of traders.
Leave a Reply