Sit-At-Home: Streets Empty, Economic Activities-Halted (Details)

Sit-At-Home: Streets Empty, Economic Activities-Halted (Details)

Two soldiers were feared killed in Abia State yesterday during a sit-at-home declared by the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). The attack occurred at an army outpost at Obikabia junction in Aba North Local Government Area (LGA). This followed an earlier attack at an army outpost at Milverton by Asa Road in Aba South LGA.

Hooded gunmen, dressed in black, struck at 10 am. IPOB had declared the sit-at-home to remember those who fought in the Nigeria-Biafra civil war (1967-1970), calling for a regional lockdown to mark what it tagged Biafra Heroes Day.

It was learned the soldiers were deployed from 14 Brigade Headquarters, Ohafia, but were attached to 144 Battalion in Ukwa West LGA. A resident, Henry Uzo, said the people of Umuola, Ukaegbu, and Obikabia now live in fear following the incident, with many leaving their homes for fear of reprisal.

Another resident, Gideon Achilihu, described the attack: “The gunmen, about 12, pulled up in a black Prado and another SUV near the army checkpoint at 9 am. The vehicles had tinted glasses, so by the time the soldiers knew what was happening, it was already late. They made attempts to withstand the group but were overpowered. After the attack, they set the outpost and patrol van ablaze. A 25-year-old young man was hit by a stray bullet and was rushed to the hospital after the gunmen left the scene. Residents live in fear. Others are packing out of homes.”

Vehicular movement was grounded in Abia, and banks, offices, and markets were shut. The incident prevented some pupils from sitting for general mathematics in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

In Anambra, security operatives killed a suspected IPOB member while enforcing the order. The incident occurred at Oba flyover in Idemili South LGA. Despite assurances by security agencies, people refused to come out, leaving roads from Awka to Onitsha to Nnewi empty. No market in Anambra opened for business.

Police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, said IPOB members were intercepted while operating on motorbikes before they opened fire. One miscreant was apprehended, while three evaded capture, sustaining bullet injuries. “The operatives recovered a local Beretta pistol, four expended cartridges, two phones, and incriminating evidence indicative of unpatriotic and disloyal behavior towards Nigeria. Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, assures the people of Anambra State their safety remains a priority of the command,” the PPRO said.

In Imo, economic and social activities were grounded as residents complied with the IPOB order. Vibrant streets and major roads were empty, with only a few individuals at bus stops. Shops, stalls, markets, and business premises were shut, and people had to trek long distances. Despite the order, Imo pupils sat for their exams, with some wearing sweaters and ordinary attire on top of their uniforms to disguise.

In Ebonyi, economic activities were grounded as banks, schools, offices, eateries, shopping malls, and markets were locked. There were few vehicles on the road, and parks were shut. A few commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists operated due to the heavy presence of machine gun-wielding security men in a convoy. Despite the situation, pupils sat for the SSCE without hitches.

In Enugu, economic activities came to a halt as residents stayed indoors. Streets, roads, and markets were deserted, while business centers, petrol stations, banks, and malls were locked. However, pupils trekked to their exam centers undisturbed. Some civil servants walked to work as transporters withdrew services. Security operatives were patrolling streets in their vans. Secondary schools, even private ones, had their pupils sit for exams without disturbance.