The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has directed churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the group’s National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, ahead of the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by former leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

MASSOB Declares Sit-At-Home

The group, led by Uchenna Madu, also reaffirmed its earlier declaration of a sit-at-home exercise on May 30, 2026.

According to MASSOB, markets, schools, banks, motor parks, and both public and private businesses are expected to remain closed from 6am to 4pm across the affected regions.

The organisation said the shutdown was intended to honour those who died during the Nigerian civil war.

“The closure of public places and services on May 30, 2026 are marks of honour, respect and patriotism to our fatherland,” the statement read.

Churches Asked To Hold Thanksgiving Services

MASSOB explained that Sunday, May 31, would serve as a day of remembrance and thanksgiving for Biafrans.

The group, however, stated that there would be no street protests, marches, or public processions during the anniversary activities.

Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The separatist group also demanded the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu, claiming he was being persecuted over his support for Biafra agitation.

“We demand his immediate release and call for justice for all Biafrans who have been unjustly detained or persecuted,” the statement added.

Security Deployment Expected

MASSOB further claimed that heavy deployment of security operatives was expected across major South-East cities during the anniversary period.

The group insisted that arrests, intimidation, and security operations would not stop the agitation for self-determination in the region.