Anambra residents, along with those in other South-East states, observed a sit-at-home order on Monday and Tuesday, despite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) denying any involvement in the declaration. The order, which was circulated through video and voice notes on social media, warned residents to stay indoors on October 21 and 22, threatening consequences for non-compliance.
The sit-at-home directive led to a significant disruption in economic and social activities across the region. Major markets, roads, law courts, schools, banks, and petrol filling stations in cities like Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and Awka were deserted. Only a few roadside traders were seen, while the main markets remained closed.
In Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo visited markets in Nkpor as part of his routine monitoring and urged residents to go about their lawful activities, assuring them of their safety. However, his directive was largely ignored as fear of potential attacks by hoodlums kept people indoors.
Schools and courts also rescheduled their activities due to the sit-at-home order. A notice from one of the schools in Onitsha informed parents and students that there would be no school on those days for security reasons, and that the mid-term break would begin on October 23.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, reiterated that the group did not declare the sit-at-home order, attributing it to criminal elements and Finland-based infiltrators. Despite this, the order was widely observed, reflecting the ongoing influence of pro-Biafra sentiments in the region.
The compliance with the sit-at-home order was so widespread that even Abia State, which usually ignores such directives, saw businesses and social activities come to a halt. Military helicopters were seen patrolling the skies in Enugu and Ebonyi states to maintain law and order.
