The sit-at-home directive declared by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Independence Day on May 30, 2025, recorded a complete failure in Ebonyi and Enugu states.
In Ebonyi State, particularly in the capital city of Abakaliki, residents went about their daily activities without disruption. Markets, shops, eateries, and fuel stations remained open for business when Daily Sun monitored the area. Government offices and schools also functioned normally, with full attendance recorded.
Major roads such as Ezza Road, Ogoja Road, Afikpo Road, Ogbaga Road, Mile 50/Ishieke Road, Water Works Road, and Hilltop Road witnessed regular human and vehicular movement.
Similarly, reports from NN News Media confirmed that Enugu State also ignored the sit-at-home order. A photo circulating online that allegedly showed deserted streets in Enugu has been debunked as fake. The image, promoted by a known IPOB affiliate, was labeled misleading by locals and media outlets.
“We’re busy working. Nobody stayed at home because of IPOB. That group no longer exists here,” said a female trader in Enugu. “We honor our fallen brothers and sisters from the war, but the Biafra agenda has brought more harm than progress to the Igbo.”
Residents expressed frustration over what they see as IPOB’s pattern of disinformation. NN News Media reminded the public of several previously debunked claims made by the group, including the false assertion that former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed IPOB at the United Nations—an allegation thoroughly disproven by AFP. Other baseless claims according to AFP involved alleged support from French President Emmanuel Macron and a nonexistent speech by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the European Parliament, but AFP fact checker debunked it.
As it stands, both Ebonyi and Enugu states have shown little to no interest in complying with IPOB’s directives, signaling a growing disconnect between the separatist group and the southeastern population.
