AVID also expressed solidarity with traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, commending them for resisting what it described as “forceful directives” by Governor Charles Soludo aimed at discouraging the traditional Monday sit-at-home.
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a United States–based group made up of U.S. military veterans of Igbo descent, has declared its full support for the sit-at-home observance declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, in Nigeria’s South-East.
In a statement released on Sunday by its President, Dr Sylvester Onyia, and the Secretary, Dr Godson Obiagwu, AVID described the sit-at-home as a peaceful protest against long-standing injustices and marginalisation of the Igbo people.
AVID also expressed solidarity with traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, commending them for resisting what it described as “forceful directives” by Governor Charles Soludo aimed at discouraging the traditional Monday sit-at-home.
SaharaReporters had reported that IPOB on Friday announced a Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown scheduled for Monday, February 2, across the South-East, in protest against the closure of the Onitsha Main Market and to demand the immediate release of its imprisoned leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB, in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, described the planned shutdown of economic and public activities in the region as a voluntary act of solidarity with traders in Onitsha, following the Anambra State government’s decision to shut the main market for one week.
The group also lambasted Governor Soludo for threatening further closures, revocation of land allocations, demolitions, and other sanctions against traders.
IPOB described the market closure as “economic warfare” against the people of the region, alleging that the action was intended to suppress continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home protest demanding Kanu’s release.
The group described the sit-at-home exercise as a peaceful form of civil disobedience and denied claims that it amounted to economic sabotage or criminality.
According to the statement, the solidarity lockdown is not an enforcement action but a collective response by residents angered by what IPOB called punitive measures against traders whose livelihoods depend on the Onitsha Main Market, widely regarded as one of the largest markets in Africa.
In its statement, AVID echoed IPOB’s stance, saying that the sit-at-home has evolved into a non-violent symbol of resistance against systemic oppression and the imprisonment of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
AVID said the stance taken by Onitsha traders reflects resilience rooted in historical struggles, including the experiences of the Igbo people during the Biafran War.
“As American military veterans of Igbo heritage who have served in defence of freedom and human rights, we recognise the sit-at-home as a legitimate expression of the Igbo people’s unyielding spirit,” the statement read.
“The defiance of the Onitsha traders stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of sacrifices made in the struggle for justice and self-determination.”
The group reaffirmed its support for Kanu, describing him as a figure whose advocacy for Biafran rights has inspired millions.
AVID called on the Nigerian government to release him and initiate “meaningful dialogue” to address grievances in the South-East.
The group also rejected conflicting directives from individuals or factions allegedly seeking to create division among “Biafrans”, insisting that unity remains critical to the cause.
The group further urged the international community, including the United States government, to closely monitor developments in the region and support efforts toward a peaceful and just resolution.
While endorsing the sit-at-home, AVID emphasised that participation should remain lawful and voluntary.
“The sit-at-home is not an act of disruption but a call for dignity and freedom,” the group added, urging residents to conduct themselves peacefully.