Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dey patrol the streets and major roads in Anambra State as the two-day sit-at-home declared by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) enter its second day.
The sit-at-home directive, which was given through videos and voice notes circulated last week, warn residents of the South-East to stay indoors on October 21 and 22, threatening severe consequences for non-compliance. Despite the pleas from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB to ignore the sit-at-home call, many residents decide to stay indoors out of fear of being attacked by hoodlums.
The Head of Media and Tactical Operations for the NSCDC Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, talk say the patrols na part of efforts to address the alleged threats and to reassure residents of their safety. Edwin say the state commandant order “show of force operations” and “confidence-building patrols” across the state to protect lives and property, especially around critical national, state, and local government assets and infrastructure.
Markets, schools, motor parks, banks, petrol stations, law courts, and other public facilities remain closed, while major roads across the state dey largely deserted. Only a few roadside traders dey seen displaying their wares in some areas like Nkpor and Ochanja markets in Onitsha and Eke-Awka market in Awka.
The NSCDC, alongside other security agencies, urge residents to go about their daily activities without fear or intimidation, emphasizing that they fully prepared to maintain peace and security throughout the state. They also warn that any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt public order would be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
