Despite the Enugu State Government’s order and the assurances by the police of provision of security, residents of the State refused to attend to their businesses on Monday.
This is in observance of the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the State.
Recall that IPOB had declared a 2-day sit-at-home in the Southeast in protest for the continued incarceration of their leader, Nnamdi Kau.
The group also want to use the two days to hoist the Biafra flag in the region.
Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being held in a Department of State Services, DSS, facility.
According to reports, although some citizens ventured out, there were no available vehicles to transport them to their destinations.
This is even as some residents expressed confusion and fear over the development. They lamented that the sit-at-home order had paralyzed commercial activities in the State.
According to Vanguard, security operatives were seen stationed at major roads and junctions in the city on Monday.
However, 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,” Vanguard reported.
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. This is because shops and banks in the area were locked.
“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 Southeast must engage the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu,” Okolo said.
Similarly, a primary school teacher, Mrs. Veronica Odogwu, who also spoke to Vanguard, 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.
source: Vanguard
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