Follow Us on Google
The streets of south-east Nigeria were deserted today as residents complied with a sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The order, which runs from 6am to 6pm, is meant to honor those who died in the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970.
In cities such as Owerri in Imo State and Ikwo in Ebonyi State, usual activities ground to a halt. Markets remained closed, and vehicular movement was minimal as traders and residents stayed indoors. The compliance is largely attributed to fears of violent enforcement by IPOB members, known for their forceful tactics.
“Annually, May 30th is a solemn memorial day for Biafrans,” said Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, in a statement. “Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit-at-home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that has taken millions of lives of Biafrans.”
Powerful directed that all schools, government offices, private businesses, banks, and transport and market unions shut down operations in respect for the fallen heroes and heroines. He also warned residents to avoid loitering and advised those traveling to complete their journeys by the evening of May 29th.
The sit-at-home order has also disrupted scheduled events. In Ebonyi State, a community leader from Ikwo reported significant panic buying on Wednesday as people prepared to stay indoors. “Traffic is not as usual, only few and skeletal movements are happening within,” he said, noting that local government delegate and councillorship primaries scheduled for today have been postponed to May 31st.
The compliance with IPOB’s directive underscores the group’s significant influence in the region and the pervasive fear of repercussions for disobedience.
