Socio-Economic activities were grounded in Enugu State, yesterday, as residents observed the sit-at-home directive following the resumed trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Yesterday’s stay-at-home is the second this week, as residents observed the usual Monday directive in the South East region.
Major roads and streets in the state were deserted, as markets, banks, government institutions and schools were closed.
Kanu, who had been detained by the Directorate of State Service (DSS) since last year, returned to court yesterday to continue his trial over charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.
Following the strict observance of the IPOB’s directive, residents have continued to lament the impact of the ‘forced holiday’ on the economy of the region.
An Enugu-based businessman, Chief Jude Ugwu, said it had become increasingly difficult to plan in the zone, adding: “They want to completely destroy the South East economically, because they know that the coercion will be extended to any day the matter is adjourned in court.”
IN Imo, activities were grounded in the 27 councils of the state, as residents complied with the sit-at-home order.
In Owerri, the streets, shops, markets, banks, schools and public places were deserted and closed. Points of Sale (POS) operators also closed their businesses.
Volatile communities in the state, such as Orlu and Mbaise complied with the directive just as most workers stayed away from work, while pupils and students converted major roads in the capital city and other places to football fields.
An Owerri-based trader told The Guardian that he could not go for his business at the Relief Market on Egbu Road, because he did not want to take any risk.
The situation was the same in Douglas, Wetheral, Okigwe-Owerri, Orlu and Owerri-Onitsha and other roads were deserted.
Some of the residents who spoke with The Guardian in Owerri on the development attributed the compliance with the order to fear of the unknown and lack of confidence on security personnel to guarantee their safety in event of any attacks.
They flayed the government and security agencies for their failure to identify those behind the enforcement of the order and dialogue with IPOB with a view to lifting the order in the interest of the economy and the people.
BESIDES, businesses and public activities were paralysed in Anambra State as streets were deserted, markets, schools, churches and banks closed down in solidarity with Kanu’s appearance in court.
Residents of Awka stayed indoors for fear of being attacked by members of the pro-Biafra movement, while security operatives abandoned checkpoints, except those on duty at police stations and command centres.
MEANWHILE, IPOB alleged that security operatives burnt over 30 houses of members of the group and innocent Igbo residents in Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi states in the last one week.
It made the allegation in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, adding that the security agents committed the arson in connivance with members of the Ebubeagu security outfit, insisting that it was another form of genocide in the South East.
GUARDIAN
