Social and economic activities were paralysed in parts of the Southeast as the people obeyed a call by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for a sit-at-home to commemorate the declaration of the defunct republic.
#SitAtHome: The ever-busy Ngwa Road Market by Ohanku in Abia State is completely deserted. Total compliance! pic.twitter.com/F0sGScLWqK
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— maҳwҽɭɭ Chuks (@realMaxwellC) May 31, 2021
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 eastern Nigeria, citizens have deserted the Enugu-Onitsha highway and other parts of the region, following the #SitAtHome order from @MaziNnamdiKanu, the head of IPOB. We are following the event closely and will bring you more details. pic.twitter.com/463oZ6Gmfd
— Gazette Africa (@GazetteAfrica) May 31, 2021
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.
#SitAtHome: The always-busy environs of Ariaria International Market in Aba is on lockdown this morning. No visible soul sighted on the roads and streets. pic.twitter.com/mEGRBWH5Sr
— maҳwҽɭɭ Chuks (@realMaxwellC) May 31, 2021
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In Abia State, streets were deserted and shops are under lock and key 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.