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, in honour of those who died during the Nigerian-Biafran civil war.

The directive is part of activities marking the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

The group’s National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, describing the anniversary as a significant milestone in the Biafran self-determination struggle.

MASSOB also reaffirmed its earlier declaration of a sit-at-home order scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, across the region.

According to the group, markets, public and private motor parks, schools, banks, and other business premises are expected to remain closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a mark of remembrance for those who died during the civil war.

The organisation said the closure was intended to honour the sacrifices made by men, women, and children during the three-year conflict and to demonstrate commitment to the Biafran cause.

However, MASSOB cautioned members against organising public demonstrations, rallies, street processions, or any gathering that could result in clashes with security agencies.

The group stressed that there would be no physical protests or public events anywhere in the region during the commemoration.

MASSOB also used the occasion to express solidarity with detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, renewing its call for his unconditional release.

The organisation acknowledged the likelihood of increased security presence across major cities in the South-East ahead of the anniversary but urged supporters to remain peaceful and committed to their objectives.

According to the statement, no amount of security deployment or intimidation would deter the pursuit of self-determination by those advocating the Biafran cause.