Commercial and social activities in Enugu State came to a standstill following the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The two-day sit-at-home was reportedly announced by IPOB as a means of hoisting the Biafra flag in the region and demanding the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being held in a Department of State Services, DSS, facility.
Vanguard correspondent, who monitored the situation in Enugu, observed that although some citizens ventured out, there were no available vehicles to transport them to their destinations.
Residents expressed confusion and fear, lamenting that the sit-at-home order had paralyzed commercial activities.
Security operatives were seen stationed at major roads and junctions in the city.
Schools and some offices remained closed, while markets and major streets were mostly deserted. Only a few residents, along with some tricycles (Keke) and private vehicles, were seen on the roads.
‘How do I feed my family?’
A trader at Ogbette Main Market, Obumneme Okolo, told Vanguard that although he came out on Monday morning for business, he was unable to open his shop because shops and banks in the area were locked.
He explained, “Yesterday evening, I heard that Governor Peter Mbah said the two-day sit-at-home order by IPOB would not hold in Enugu.
“But when I came out this morning, there were no buses to take me to my shop. I was lucky to get a ride from a neighbor, but when I reached the market, only a few traders were present, and we were too afraid to open our shops for fear of being attacked.
“This is a disturbing situation. The government must act fast because we can’t continue like this. If I don’t sell in my shop, how do I feed my family?
“We are suffering, losing money and customers. The government and leaders of the South-East must engage the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu,” Okolo urged.
Teachers scared
Similarly, a primary school teacher, Mrs. Veronica Odogwu, said she didn’t go to school despite there being no official shutdown notice from the school management.
“There’s tension in my area, and people are not willing to risk their lives after IPOB’s warning,” she explained.
“We even heard that some security personnel were shot yesterday in Anambra State. Given all this, no school management should expect us to come to school today.
“Some parents even called me this morning to inquire about the situation. And I advised them to stay home with their children because I doubt the school would open,” Odogwu added.
