International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement in South-East Nigeria, has been advocating for an independent Biafran state since 2012. In recent years, IPOB has employed various strategies, including sit-at-home orders, to press for their demands. These orders involve mass compliance with staying at home, shutting businesses, and avoiding public activities on designated days. Meanwhile, the widespread adoption of social media in Nigeria has transformed the way information is disseminated and consumed. Social media platforms have become critical channels for IPOB to disseminate information, mobilize support, and enforce compliance with their directives. Objective: The study investigated influence of social media on knowledge and compliance with the sit-at-home orders by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in South-East, Nigeria (2021-2023).
Method: Descriptive survey research method was adopted. Questionnaire served as instrument for data collection. Generated data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Result: Findings show wide use of social media to access information on IPOB’s activities including the sit-at-home orders in the region. There was also significant relationship between the level of exposure to IPOB’s sit-at-home threat messages and level of compliance with the orders among residents of the zone.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that social media has significant influence on public knowledge and compliance with IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Orders in South-East Nigeria.
Unique contribution: The study provides fresh insights into the complex interplay between social media use and social movements in the South-East zone. It is hoped that this new perspective would be found useful by stakeholders, including policymakers, conflict resolution practitioners, and governments in developing effective strategies for communicating with and engaging the South-East Nigerian population on the IPOB and Biafra matters and in prompt countering of such unlawful directives.
Key recommendation: The Nigerian government and conflict resolution stakeholders should leverage social media platforms to counter IPOB's narratives and promote peaceful coexistence. Engage influencers, create engaging contents, and utilise hashtags to reach a wider audience.