Human rights activist and former presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted to recent developments in the South-East, stating that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will not end the Biafra agitation.
Sowore made this known in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, while responding to the decision of the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, to temporarily shut down the Onitsha Main Market.
The popular market was reportedly closed for one week after the state government observed that a significant number of traders were still complying with the weekly sit-at-home directive allegedly issued by IPOB, despite repeated assurances of improved security across the state.
Reacting to the development, Sowore argued that the
He described the assumption by some political leaders that detaining Nnamdi Kanu would dismantle the Biafra movement as a “serious miscalculation,” stressing that such actions only deepen public resentment and mistrust.
Sowore further maintained that shutting down major economic hubs such as the Onitsha Main Market would not lead to meaningful progress unless authorities prioritise justice, dialogue and respect for fundamental human rights.
His comments come amid growing concerns over the economic impact of repeated market closures and insecurity in the South-East, which has continued to disrupt commercial activities and livelihoods across the region.
