Enugu residents observe sit-at-home, desert streets, businesses

Residents of Enugu State, yesterday, abandoned major roads and streets, as well as their businesses in the capital city for fear of being attacked by gunmen enforcing the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at home order, which its leadership had disclaimed.

Although IPOB had cancelled the Mondays’ sit-at-home order and had continued to assure residents of their safety and their businesses, gunmen invaded parts of the state on Monday, January 10, 2022 and in the process of enforcing the sit-at-home directive, burnt some cars and injured several persons.

But banks, markets, government offices, schools and other businesses remained locked, yesterday, as residents refused to leave their homes for commercial or social engagements, for fear of being attacked.

At Obollo-Afor, headquarters of Udenu Council, masked gunmen enforcing the suspended sit-at-home order, attacked some residents, who tried to open their businesses.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, who came into the town on motorcycles, were seen beating up traders, who opened their shops, while other residents were said to have scampered for safety as the hoodlums chased them with whips.

The hoodlums also burnt a tricycle, otherwise called Keke NAPEP, whose driver tried to convey passengers around the town.

The Guardian learnt that members of Udenu Central Neighbourhood Watch also fled on sighting the gunmen, while a Toyota Sienna car belonging to the group was destroyed in the attack.

One of the traders said he had a close shave with the gunmen and was yet to recover from the incident.

“They had guns, knives and whips with which they dispersed people. They didn’t shoot at anybody. Their faces were covered. I am still in shock. I thought they would attack me since my shop was open when they passed. I later heard they were beating some people and asking others to go home,” the trader said.

Another eyewitness said a military team arrived the town around 8:30a.m. and patrolled the area to ensure that normalcy was restored.

The sit-at-home is expected to continue today as IPOB had officially asked residents to stay indoors as a mark of solidarity for its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whose trial comes up today in court.

Although the trial billed for the Federal High Court, Abuja would continue tomorrow, IPOB in statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said there would be no lockdown in the South East and asked the residents to go about their normal businesses.