Biafra: Markets shut, streets empty as Imo residents comply with IPOB's order

Biafra: Markets shut, streets empty as Imo residents comply with IPOB’s order

By : Charles Ogugbuaja

Date: 30 May 2025 12:57pm WAT

FILES-NIGERIA-BIAFRA-ANNIVERSARY-HISTORY-CONFLICT

(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 28, 2017 Supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wave the Biafra flag in the Osusu district of Aba. - In a region where separatist sentiments often flare up among the indigenous Igbo, officials are pointing at the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra or IPOB that agitates for a separate state. But the situation is far from clear. IPOB says it is falsely accused in a bid to divide the separatists who are already split over strategy. Some southern leaders accuse rivals of sponsoring attacks to discredit them. (Photo by STEFAN HEUNIS / AFP)

Imo residents on Friday largely complied with the stay-at-home order directed by the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Heroes Day.

The streets of Owerri, capital city of the state, were deserted. At the time of filing this report, vehicles were hardly seen, except joint security operatives from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Federal Road Safety Commission on patrol.

Similarly, ever-busy Okigwe, Wetheral, Tetlow, Douglas, Mbaise, Egbu, Orji, and Aba Roads were deserted.
Popular markets in Owerri, Ekeonunwa Owere, Relief, Alaba, and others were under lock. Also, shop owners closed, except those who operated skeletal services with fear.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, and other service commanders in the state assured law-abiding residents of adequate security for their lives and property

The assurances were contained in a statement by the Imo police command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

The police warned that the security operatives on joint patrol would deal decisively with any person who disrupting peace in the 27 local councils of the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has once again called on the good and law-abiding people of Imo State to disregard the disruptive sit-at-home threat issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” he said.

He reassures all residents that the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, has activated robust security measures to forestall any form of threat or attack across the State.

“The Imo State Police Command, therefore, issues a stern warning to any person or group planning to breach the peace by attempting to enforce the illegal sit-at-home threat: such persons will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.”

The Commissioner of Police urges Ndi Imo to remain vigilant, security conscious, and to report any suspicious movement or activity within their environment to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08034773600 or 08148024755,” he assured.