Nigeria Shops Shut, Schools Closed as Umuahia Marks Biafra Remembrance

The city of Umuahia, Abia State’s capital, fell silent on May 30 as residents complied with the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to mark Biafra Day, honouring those who died during the civil war.

• Shops, markets, motor parks, banks, and schools were completely shut.
• Streets were largely deserted, with only a few tricycles and private vehicles seen.
• Youths were spotted playing football, while some residents gathered in small groups outside their homes.
• No visible presence of security operatives or reported incidents of violence as of press time.
• The atmosphere remained tense but peaceful, with no clashes recorded.

The complete shutdown reflects how deeply Biafra Day resonates across the southeast, especially in urban centres like Umuahia. While the state remains on alert, the day’s peaceful observance signals continued civil compliance with IPoB’s symbolic calls, despite federal opposition.

Umuahia joined other southeastern cities in a quiet but powerful gesture of remembrance. As photos from the city show, the streets may have been empty, but the memory of Biafra’s past remains present.