Economic and commercial activities came to a standstill on Monday in the South-East region of the country. IPOB, through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful said the human and vehicular movement would be restricted across the South-East on Monday to mark the 54th anniversary of Biafra.
In compliance with this, streets in Owerri, Imo State capital were empty. Businesses, schools, and other major economic hubs were shut. Vehicular movements were also grounded. However, there is a heavy presence of security operatives in strategic places in the city to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Streets in Umuahia the Abia State capital are virtually empty and deserted as residents remain indoors in total compliance with the sit-at-home order given by the leadership of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB to mark this year’s Biafra Day.
Unlike previous years when the exercise recorded partial compliance in the Umuahia where the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hails from, the capital city was completely shut down.
While in Anambra State, the situation is the same. Economic and social activities have been halted and there is a heavy security presence in major locations of the state to maintain law and order.
The situation is not too different in Ebonyi State as few vehicles were seen on the highway. The inner streets were deserted with security men positioned at different locations.
The state governor David Umahi had earlier instructed that no resident will be penalised if he or she chooses to stay at home. Many businesses in Delta State capital, Asaba were also shut as residents comply with the sit-at-home order. Banks and major shopping malls were closed.
At the popular wood market along the Asaba-Onitsha expressway, most shops were closed with a few traders around. The expressway leading to the head bridge was completely deserted while businesses along the expressway were also shut.
It was a similar situation at the over-projected nearby Orieugba market which was a ghost of itself. Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu had Sunday night said Abia traders would not be compelled to open their shops today if they chose not to do so.
Kanu had in his early morning live broadcast on Facebook and other social media platforms expressed rage over the non-compliance attitude of Umuahia, Enugu and Abakaliki to similar orders in the past. He warned them to ensure total compliance to the sit-at-home order this year.
There was also no vehicular movement except a few tricycles that occasionally pass by. An ambulance was also sighted around Enugu Road by ShopRite shopping plaza moving on the road.
