On Monday, October 21, 2024, the entire city of Owerri, the capital of Imo State, and its environs were completely deserted as residents complied with a sit-at-home order. The streets, shops, schools, and government offices were all shut down, reflecting a widespread adherence to the directive.
The sit-at-home order, although not officially declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had been circulating on social media for over two weeks. IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, clarified that the order did not emanate from IPOB but from criminal elements and Finland-based infiltrators. Despite this, the fear and panic generated by the threats led many to stay indoors.
The economic activities in the region were significantly impacted, with roads deserted and all forms of trade and commerce halted. In other parts of the Southeast, including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia, similar scenes were observed as residents heeded the unofficial order.
In Anambra, official and non-official engagements were rescheduled, and school activities were postponed. There was also a noticeable panic buying in major markets as people prepared for the potential lockdown.
IPOB urged the residents to ignore the order and go about their normal business, emphasizing that they do not declare unnecessary sit-at-home orders. However, the fear and uncertainty had already taken hold, leading to a near-total shutdown of activities in the region).
