Biafra Day Anniversary: Markets, schools, offices shut down in Enugu, Imo

• Ebonyi Residents Defy Sit-at-home Order
• Pro-Biafra Groups Applaud Compliance Level

Pro-Biafra agitators expressed joy on Friday following the level of compliance that greeted the celebration of Biafra Day anniversary in the Southeast region.

The Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) insisted that the “huge compliance” to the sit-at-home order to mark the anniversary would determine the voting direction in 2027.

The sit-at-home order was imposed by the IPOB and the MASSOB to mark ‘Biafra Day’. In Enugu, government offices, banks, shops, schools, markets, and other public places were shut down. Also, motor parks, shopping complexes, filling stations and restaurants refused to open for businesses. While few commercial vehicles and tricycles were seen on the roads, the streets in the state capital were virtually empty.

From Gariki to Agbani Road, Zik’s Avenue, Ogbete Market, State Secretariat, New Market, New Layout, to Abakpa and Trans-Ekulu, the streets were literally abandoned.

Also, all the schools within WTC, starting from the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, were deserted. Some of the empty streets were turned to football fields by some youths amid patrols by security officials .

Unlike the previous exercises which clashed with ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC), that of Friday did not clash with any exams as there were no scheduled exams for the candidates.

It was gathered that fear of possible violence resulted in the full compliance with the sit-at-home directive in Enugu. But there were patrols of security helicopters apparently to ensure there were no attacks on residents, which ironically stoked further fears on the people.

In Imo State, residents also largely complied with the directive to sit-at-home to commemorate Biafra Heroes Day. The streets of Owerri, the state capital, were deserted. Only patrol vehicles of the joint security operatives were seen on the roads.

The ever-busy Okigwe, Wetheral, Tetlow, Douglas, Mbaise, Egbu, Orji, Aba roads were deserted.Popular markets in Owerri – Ekeonunwa Owere, Relief, Alaba and others – were under lock. Also, shop owners closed, but some rendered on skeletal services.

However, the directive was a total flop in Ebonyi State as residents went about their normal daily activities unharmed.Initially, heavily armed police personnel patrolled some strategic locations in the state but the security agents disappeared when it was clear that people were going about their normal businesses.

When The Guardian visited Abakaliki metropolis, business activities boomed even as major roads experienced traffic.
Banks, schools, markets, government offices, motor parks as well as some other private institutions were all in full operation.

At the ever busy Water Works road section of Ogoja road and Afikpo road, Gunning Street and Afikpo Street, there was heavy traffic and people going to their business places experienced difficulties.

A worker at one of the major motor parks told The Guardian that people were tired of the IPOB’s ways of operation, noting that sitting at home is not the best option to buttress their case.

But MASSOB has expressed gratitude to the people “for their full compliance on the voluntary sit-at-home exercise.” Leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, said that the sit-at-home was in commemoration of the 58th anniversary of Biafra declaration by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“Our people have shown and expressed their spirit of Biafranism and love for our fatherland.

“Your honour and respect for the fallen heroes of Biafra and malnourished children of Biafra because of kwashiorkor will never be in vain.

“MASSOB salutes the traders, transporters, civil workers, private sectors, students and pupils for their unshakable love and obedience to honour its call for the sit-at-home exercise in honour of Biafra.

“MASSOB will continue in maintaining our principles of non-violence in our agitation for Biafra actualisation,” he stated. He urged President Bola Tinubu to know that the will power of Ndigbo as shown in the huge compliance of MASSOB directive would determine the voting direction in 2027.

Also, the IPOB has congratulated residents of the Southeast for complying with the directive. Media and Publicity Secretary of the IPOB, Emma Powerful, expressed gratitude to those who greatly aided in this year’s successful tribute to the Biafran heroes and heroines.

“We express gratitude to Biafrans across all Biafra States, particularly in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, as well as the Biafran clans in Edo, Benue, and Kogi States for adhering to the sit-at-home.

“We extend our congratulations to Biafrans abroad who took to the streets to raise awareness in their countries.

“We commend the kind-hearted individuals who significantly contributed to making this year’s Remembrance Day truly unforgettable. We applaud leaders of market unions, leaders of transport owners association, church leaders, representatives of educational institutions, market vendors, and transport operators. We thank journalists for objectively covering the compliance of Biafrans on this year’s Biafran Heroes Day.

“This year’s Biafran Heroes and Heroines Day holds great importance. An important message has been conveyed to our opponents that the unlawful imprisonment of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu does not weaken the determination of IPOB and Biafrans for our liberation”.