The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home exercise across the South-East region.According to the group, the directive was issued by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and will take effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.Directive Came Directly from KanuIPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, stressing that the order came directly from Kanu.The sit-at-home protest, introduced in August 2021, was originally declared in response to Kanu’s arrest and detention, leading to the closure of markets, schools, banks, and offices across the region every Monday.Businesses, Schools to Resume FullyWith the new directive, IPOB said there is no justification for continued compliance with the sit-at-home order.The group urged residents to resume normal activities, including:Opening shops and marketsAttending schoolsGoing to workOperating transport servicesAccording to the statement, all economic and social activities must now continue without disruption.Warning Against EnforcersIPOB warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s instructions.The group described such individuals as enemies of the Biafran cause and vowed to confront them wherever they are found.It also accused some elements of creating fear and staging attacks to intimidate residents into staying indoors.Message to State GovernmentsIPOB cautioned state governments against threatening traders who may still choose to stay at home voluntarily.The group specifically warned against forced market closures, demolitions, or intimidation of business owners.It added that any market renovation or relocation project must be carried out with the consent of affected traders.Call for Unity and LawfulnessIn its concluding remarks, IPOB urged residents of the South-East to remain calm, law-abiding, and united.The group called on parents to send their children to school and traders to open their shops without fear.“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement declared.
