Nigeria: Indigenous People of Biafra activists to stage sit-at-home actions in southeastern region, Nov. 5-10

Event

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) separatist group has called for an indefinite strike (also called sit-at-home order) in the Biafra region (southeast) Nov. 5-10, except Nov. 7, unless IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is released by Nov. 4. During sit-at-home actions, IPOB is asking all residents to remain indoors and businesses to remain shut. The action is most likely to be adhered to in Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi states. Business disruptions are also possible in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers states.

IPOB also announced that the group had no plans to disrupt the Anambra State election scheduled Nov. 6.

It is unclear whether businesses will comply with their demands. In the past, IPOB activists have used violence and threatened locals to enforce the order. While the group has announced no specific plans to do so, activists could also hold protests, particularly in state capitals such as Awka, Enugu, Onitsha, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Yenagoa. In the event protests do occur, the potential for clashes with security forces is elevated.

Should they occur, actions will likely affect businesses and transport in the southeast. Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security personnel across the region as a precaution, notably in main urban centers.

Context

Kanu faces several charges, including treason and terrorism. IPOB activists have been calling for protests and strikes since August to press the government to release Kanu; the actions have resulted in violence and significant business disruptions in the southeast. Protests by supporters of IPOB and Kanu may persist in the southeast in the coming months, depending on the court verdict. The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 10.

The IPOB seeks the independence of the southeastern region following the previous attempt at independence by the Republic of Biafra, which sparked a three-year civil war that ended in 1970. The Federal High Court of Abuja labeled the group a terrorist organization in 2017. Deep divisions remain between Biafra separatists and the central government. The so-called Biafra region geographically includes various southeastern states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers inhabited by the Igbo people.

Advice

Anticipate business closures and disruptions to transport and other services. Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Keep away from any location where security forces appear to be deploying; exit the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Heed the instructions of local authorities.