The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the cancellation of its controversial sit-at-home order across the South-East, following a directive reportedly issued by its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group disclosed the development through a statement circulated on social media by Defence News Nigeria, indicating that the directive marks a significant shift in a policy that has been enforced for over four years.
The sit-at-home order, originally introduced as a form of protest and agitation for Kanu’s release and the Biafra cause, has drawn widespread criticism over its socio-economic consequences. Residents, business owners, and transport operators across the South-East have repeatedly lamented heavy financial losses and disruptions to daily life linked to the weekly lockdown.
Although IPOB maintained that the directive was aimed at demonstrating solidarity with its leader and advancing its advocacy, stakeholders and analysts have argued that the prolonged enforcement contributed to economic hardship and security concerns in parts of the region.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions on social media. A user identified as Michael Tommy suggested the development signaled a victory for the group, while another user, Moh Ndagi Mbuhari X, reacted sarcastically, questioning the decision and making exaggerated claims about the order’s economic impact.
Meanwhile, another commentator, Ọlájùwọn Òlùwà, raised concerns about the terminology used in describing Kanu’s legal status, querying the distinction between detention and imprisonment.
As of the time of filing this report, IPOB has yet to release a detailed official statement outlining the implementation timeline for the cancellation or how it will be enforced across the South-East.
