…says it is in honour of Biafran fallen heroes

By Chris Onuoha 

The pro-Biafra agitating group known as Biafra Republic Government, in-exile (BRGIE) has made known its intention to declared May 29 and 30, 2025 as lockdown to mark the appearance of its leader, Simon Ekpa, who is billed to appear in Finnish court and also to  honour the departed Biafrans in a struggle for freedom. 

The group disclosed this in a statement released on its X handle by BRGIE’s information minister, Akparawa Sunny, noting that the two days exercise should be honoured and marked as significant by all Biafrans in the South-East and in diaspora. 

BRGIE also adviced the apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo to refrain from efforts that sabotage Biafra Independence, while appealing to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to unseal shops shut down in Onitsha Head Bridge Market in Anambra State over fine imposition on traders and the alleged fake drug distribution. 

“BRGIE confirms that these two days are significant in the lives of all Biafrans living at home and abroad. Our leader Simon Ekpa has been detained by the Finnish government since November 2024. Imperatively, he will appear in Finnish court on 29th May, and so Biafrans should honour him as a hero of our time who has sacrificed his life for Biafra.

“The group also tells Ohaneze Ndigbo groups who placed a $650,000 bounty on the head of our leader to stop such action and from disparaging anything Biafra or tagging Biafra Heroes Day as IGBO Day. We make it clear that they have lost relevance to speak for the Biafrans,” stated Akparawa.

The group alleged that punishing over 5,000 traders without due consideration is a violation of citizens’ right to operate business without hindrance in their country, calling it an economic persecution of the Biafrans because of their intention to be free from marginalisation. It warns, the group might take actions if the shops remain closed. However, it is on record that over a thousand shop owners have paid the imposed fee, while others battle to meet up.

“We urge all Biafrans to honour this solemn occasion and use this time to reflect on our collective journey towards freedom,” the statement reads,” the group added.