• Imo traders desert market over threat by gunmen
• Kanu’s release key to peace in S’East, says Ohanaeze
• OYC pledges support to end insecurity in region

Despite ban on Monday sit-at-home in Enugu State, shops and businesses remained shut, yesterday.

Recall that Governor Peter Mbah, in a statement by his media team, on June 3, cancelled the weekly sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), threatening to sanction businesses or outlets obeying the proscribed group’s order in the state.

It was, however, observed that markets were, yesterday, shut, while streets and motor parks were deserted.

Schools, offices, banks, shops, supermarkets, including filling stations, hotels and other public places were closed

Also, in Imo State, traders in popular Ekeukwu Owerri deserted closed their shops, following a threatening letter received from ‘unknown gunmen.’

The situation adversely affected residents, as there were few people in the streets of Owerri.

Only a few commercial vehicles and cars were seen on the roads, though schools, banks, eateries, motor parks and businesses were operating in parts of the state.

Traders in other markets in the state could not open for fear of being attacked.

A trader, who does not want to be mentioned, said the anger of the gunmen, according to the letter, is that traders have not been observing the sit-at-home order every Monday.

The gunmen had, last Saturday, in their letter, threatened to unleash attack on traders of Ekeukwu Owerri Market, because of failure to obey the order.

The state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, advised the traders to ignore such information and go about their businesses. He told them that if there is such information, they should inform the Police for immediate action.

However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders have called on the Federal Government to release the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to restore peace in the South East. The call was made during the inauguration of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women and Youth Wings, Federal Capital territory (FCT) chapter, in Abuja.

President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, represented by Prof. Charles Nwekeaku, said: “What South East needs is security; even if you appoint 100 service chiefs without the release of Kanu, you wouldn’t have peace.

“Kanu’s release is central and fundamental to the peace mechanism in Igbo land.”

MEANWHILE, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has said it would continue to support efforts and policies towards achieving absolute peace, stability and security in Nigeria, especially in the South East.

The group, which expressed worry over the spate of insecurity in Igbo land, also cautioned against attempts by alleged impostors to malign Igbo leaders for their selfish gains.

Speaking at a press briefing, held in Owerri, yesterday, the Secretary General of the Igbo youth group, Chukwuma Okparaezeukwu, disassociated the body from those, according to him, parading themselves as National President and Secretary General of Ohaneze Youth Council, respectively.

Okparaezeukwu described the duo as impostors, who, through their activities in the last couple of months, have heightened the security situation, as well as jeopardised efforts for peace and development of the region.