IPOB’s Clash with Security Agencies and Enugu, Abia Government Over Sit-at-Home Order

Tension gripped southeastern Nigeria on Thursday as security agencies vowed to thwart the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) plans to enforce a controversial sit-at-home order across the region.

IPOB had announced that a sit-at-home would take place on May 30 to commemorate Biafra Day, a date intended to honor IPOB members who died in "the fight for freedom," according to the group's spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

IPOB Members

IPOB seeks to establish a sovereign state of Biafra from southeastern and parts of southern Nigeria. The group directed schools, government offices, private businesses, banks, transport unions, and market unions to shut down in observance of the sit-at-home order.

However, security agencies across the South-east pledged to resist IPOB's attempt to enforce this action. Similarly, the Enugu State Government rejected IPOB's order, particularly because it conflicted with the West African Examination Council's (WAEC) scheduled general mathematics exam on May 30.

The Enugu State Government stated that IPOB's declaration was unacceptable, citing the negative impact on the socio-economic lives of South-east residents. The government assured that security agencies were on high alert to protect lives and property and to deal with any IPOB members attempting to enforce the order.

PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that clashes occurred between security operatives and suspected IPOB members during the sit-at-home order on May 30. This unrest has heightened concerns that the sit-at-home directive may persist longer than anticipated in the region.

Killing of Soldiers in Abia

Tragedy struck on Thursday 30th of May 2024 when gunmen killed five soldiers in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. The assailants, numbering about 15, attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction around 8:00 a.m., enforcing IPOB's sit-at-home order for Biafra Day.

Nigerian soldiers at a checkpoint

Videos of masked gunmen attacking the soldiers circulated on social media, showing men in black attire firing sporadically around the junction. The Nigerian army vowed to retaliate against the suspected IPOB members responsible for the attack.

The killings have drawn widespread condemnation. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma urged security agencies to track down the assailants. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, promising severe repercussions for those responsible. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar called for a political solution, including the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, to distinguish criminals from legitimate agitators.

Abia State Current Governor Alex Otti

The Abia State Government announced a N25 million bounty for information leading to the capture of the soldiers' killers and promised to support the families of the fallen soldiers, including paying stipends to their spouses and covering their children's education up to university level.

In the aftermath, Aba residents accused the Nigerian army of harassment and arrests. The army later reported that those detained had been released.