The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) 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 group said the services are aimed at honouring those who died during the Nigerian 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.

MASSOB National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

According to the group, the anniversary remains a significant event in its self-determination campaign.

MASSOB had earlier announced a sit-at-home order for Saturday, May 30, 2026, across the South-East region as part of the commemoration activities.

The group said markets, schools, motor parks, banks and other business premises are expected to remain closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“MASSOB has earlier declared that all markets, public and private motor parks, schools, banks, and other public business premises shall remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on 30th May, 2026,” the statement said.

“The closure of these public places and services are marks of honour, respect, and patriotism to our fatherland. It is a mark of appreciation and acknowledgment of the numerous sacrifices and prices our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters rendered for Biafra during the three years of war.”

The group, however, warned members against organising public demonstrations or activities that could lead to confrontations with security agencies.

It stated that there would be no street marches, rallies or public processions during the anniversary.

MASSOB also said the commemoration would serve as a show of solidarity with detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, while renewing calls for his release.

The group acknowledged the possibility of heightened security deployment across major cities in the South-East during the anniversary period.

“No amount of security intimidation, killings, detention, or oppression will ever stop the willpower of an indigenous people for self-determination,” the statement added.