Umuahia Streets Empty During October 21 Spontaneous Sit-at-Home
Many states in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria witnessed a paralysis of business activities yesterday in the continuation of the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in response to the incarceration of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.
Despite the success of the weekly directive, IPOB yesterday formally denied declaring a sit-at-home for October 21 and 22 in any part of Igboland.
In Aba, Abia State, schools, banks, markets and other business centres remained closed. Major thoroughfares in the city such as Azikiwe, Faulks, Ngwa, Aba-Owerri, Obohia, Ohanku, Ikot Ekpene and the Aba Main Park were deserted.
Combined teams of soldiers and police officers were observed patrolling major areas of the city.
In Umuahia, the directive was also largely complied with, with streets and roads completely deserted. Human and vehicular traffic was very limited, although tricycles and vehicles were sporadically observed. Schools remained closed, with students and pupils forced to stay at home.
The city was generally peaceful, with no incidents of violence reported. Banks did not open their doors to customers, with only a few street shops attempting to open their doors.
In Owerri, the capital of Imo State, the streets were deserted as early as 6am. Shops, banks, restaurants, Relief and Eke Ukwu markets were all closed. There was no movement of vehicles, even the transport companies along Egbu Road in Owerri did not open their doors.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated when a viral video circulated on social media showing attacks and burning of vehicles in Okigwe Council Area of Imo State. However, the Imo State Police has denied the reports, saying the video circulating was dated 2022 and was an attempt to create fear in the area.
As disorganization persists in the areas, IPOB has categorically denied giving orders for a sit-at-home, calling on people to ignore what it describes as a nefarious order by criminals working for the government to demonize IPOB.
In this context of disruption and uncertainty, it is critical to promote dialogue and mutual understanding to overcome differences and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all communities.
Ultimately, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to promote reconciliation, justice and peaceful coexistence, avoiding actions that could escalate tensions and promoting solutions based on mutual respect and the dignity of all individuals.