IPOB sit-at-home: Partial compliance in Anambra, empty streets in Enugu

The sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) recorded partial compliance, yesterday, as most people remained in their homes across Anambra State.

In Awka, the state capital, vehicular traffic was sparse along the major highways, especially the Awka- Onitsha-Enugu expressway, old Awka-Onitsha road and other roads linking different towns.

Economic activities were paralysed as people were seen sitting and relaxing around their premises, while many youths turned available spaces into football playgrounds.

Banks and filling stations remained closed in Awka, even as Eke Awka and timber markets were also under lock and key.

Also, departmental stores, shops and business premises remained shut till later in the evening.

However, petty traders, women and youths engaged in buying and selling, mainly food items, fruits and wares within the vicinity of Eke Awka, while hawkers were also seen moving about selling their items.

Shops attached to residential buildings were partially opened for business, while traders sat in groups discussing the situation.

Transport companies remained closed, while motor parks were deserted.

THE case is a bit different in Enugu as economic and social activities were paralysed as residents complied with the IPOB’s directive.

Banks, markets, businesses and government offices remained closed as the roads were deserted.

Public Schools, scheduled to resume yesterday for the first term 2022/2023 academic session, were closed to resume today.

The Guardian gathered that the police personnel patrolled parts of the state while many residents, especially those on emergency services, walked to their destinations.

IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, had, at the weekend, announced total “lockdown,” in the South East in solidarity with leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, as he continues his trial in court.

He said the sit-at-home was to protest the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Owerri, Imo State. He noted that the president’s visit was an affront on the people of the region, noting that Kanu should not remain in custody while he (Buhari) was being welcomed in the state.

He had asked the people to remain indoors, warning that flouting the directive would attract severe punishment.

Yesterday’s sit-at-home was the second in the state this week.

Businesses did not open on Monday in compliance with the weekly sit-at-home order.