Na total shutdown for Abia, Imo and Anambra states as residents stay indoors to observe the sit-at-home order declared by the Movement for a Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The sit-at-home na to honour the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on the 59th anniversary of Biafra. MASSOB hail the people of the Southeast for adhering to the directive.
Business and economic activities across Imo State come to standstill as residents largely comply with the sit-at-home order. Owerri and other parts of the state were largely deserted, while construction sites within the capital city shut down operations.
Many streets wear ghost-town appearance as traders keep their shops closed for fear of possible attacks or confiscation of their goods by enforcers of the sit-at-home directive. Only few commercial vehicles dey ply the usually busy roads.
Some motorists wey venture out express frustration over the heavy police presence and roadblocks mounted at strategic locations across the city. “We decide to ignore the sit-at-home order and go about our normal businesses,” one commercial driver talk. “But we shock to discover that some roads don block by police. Instead of encouraging people to come out and move freely, the roadblocks only heighten the tension.”
Another resident note that the deserted roads and closure of businesses reflect the fear wey still surround the annual Biafra Day observance. “The situation force many people to remain indoors. Most traders prefer to lock up their shops rather than take any chances,” he talk.
Reports indicate that Okigwe was completely deserted, with enforcers ensure full compliance with the sit-at-home directive. Meanwhile, na gather say the last Saturday of every month na traditionally observe as environmental sanitation day for Imo State, a development wey may also contribute to the reduced movement across many parts of the state.
The sit-at-home also largely successful for Anambra. MASSOB, led by comrade Uchenna Madu, express joy about the way people show unwavering commitment to honour the memory of Ojukwu and the 59th anniversary. “Your voluntary sit-at-home observance directed by MASSOB demonstrates your deep respect and remembrance of the sacrifices made for the Biafran cause.
“Your solidarity and unity today reaffirm our collective determination to honor our history and preserve our heritage. We salute your resolve and dedication, as we continue to strive for a better future for all Biafrans through MASSOB principles of non-violence in Biafra self-determination activism.
“Your love and dedication exercised today will never be forgotten. MASSOB will always be steadfast and unrelenting in our long walk to freedom. We reiterate our earlier and passionate call and directives to churches in Biafra land to observe memorial services, prayers and thanksgiving to God Almighty for keeping Biafra,” Madu write for im statement.
The directive equally obey for Umuahia, the Abia State capital and Aba, the commercial nerve centre. Checks around the state show say the people stay indoors in adherence to the sit-at-home order.
Security agencies for the state carry out Show of Force exercise and air surveillance in both Umuahia, Aba and their environs. Some men in mufti reportedly deploy at some strategic locations in the state as part of measures to increase intelligence and to alert their colleagues or sister agencies in case of any breakdown of law and order for any part of the state.
The Nation learn say the action of the security agencies na part of proactive measures to nip any form of violence in the bud before e escalate. A visit to major markets for Umuahia and Aba, including Ariaria International Market, Ahịa Ohuru, Ekeoha Shopping Centre (the biggest textile market for Aba), Cemetery, Umuahia Main Market, Power line, Sameck and among others show say no traders dey for the markets.
Gates leading into the markets don lock just as their customers wey no fit finish their transactions, especially those wey come from the North, Lagos and other parts of the country and West African countries, don lodge for hotels dey wait till the end of the sit-at-home period before continuing shopping or returning to their bases.
While no major increase for fares as major transporters shut down operations, some individual transporters open for business with low patronage. Some transporters and traders for Aba and Umuahia confirm say most of their customers come shop and leave Aba last night.
Chief Ugochukwu Ohaeri talk say transport companies around Milverton no fit load their normal morning buses to Abuja, Lagos because of the sit-at-home order of MASSOB. At the time of filing the report, no report of any breakdown of law and order for any part of the state.
