Businesses and social activities were on Monday paralyzed in the entire South East region as residents observed the sit-at-home protest declared by pro-Biafra separatists.
From Anambra to Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo, roads were completely deserted as shops, schools, government offices and secretariats were shut down in compliance with the sit-at-home order.
The presence of security agents in some places did not spur the people to come out.
In Enugu State, SaharaReporters observed that the roads in the city centre – Ogui Road, Presidential Road, Agbani Road, Obiagu Road, Enugu-Abakaliki Road, Emene Road, Abakpa Nike Road were all deserted.
It also observed that petrol stations, schools, markets and even event centres were completely deserted.
Some security agents were also seen patrolling lonely major roads. Although, some commercial tricycle drivers were seen shuttling inner streets.
In Owerri, the Imo State capital, roads were also deserted. The Aba-Owerri Expressway and the popular MCC and Poly/Nekede roads were completely deserted.
Shops were locked.
In Awka, the Anambra State capital; the two commercial nerve centres – Nnewi and Onitsha were completely shut down as streets were also deserted.
SaharaReporters observed that the popular Eke Awka Market was also deserted in compliance with the directive. The office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) in Awka was also locked. Motor parks were also deserted.
Because of the total compliance, SaharaReporters observed that many people were forced to trek to their destinations or cancel their engagements as public buses and tricycles were not on the roads.
“I have to trek back home from Eke Awka, nearly 3km because I have not seen Keke Napep from the market to Aroma Roundabout where I will take another Keke to my house. This is the most observed sit-at-home in the recent time,” a resident said.
Abia State which usually ignore sit-at-home observance observed this Monday’s sit-at-home as businesses and social activities in Aba the commercial nerve centre of the state which is the home state of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were completely shut down.
Military helicopters were also seen hovering above to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order in any part of Enugu and Ebonyi states.
In Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, government officials equally observed the sit-at-home protest as streets were deserted while businesses and schools were closed.
SaharaReporters reported on Sunday that Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, issued a stern warning to pro-Biafra agitators, stating that any attempts to disrupt the state’s peace and security would be met with swift and decisive action.
This warning came amid calls for a sit-at-home protest by a group claiming to be launching Biafran.
The group had announced a two-day sit-at-home protest across five South Eastern states, as well as parts of Delta, Rivers, and Kogi states, scheduled for Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22.
