Deserted Streets and Silent Schools: Imo Residents Heed Sit-at-Home Call Despite Security Warnings

Imo State residents observed a total lockdown on Friday, May 30, as businesses, schools, and government operations ground to a halt in Owerri, the state capital, following compliance with a sit-at-home order.

Despite a formal directive by the Imo State Police Command urging residents to ignore the order and go about their normal routines, the city remained empty, underscoring the continued influence of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The group annually mandates the sit-at-home to honour fallen Biafran heroes.

Commercial centres such as Wetheral, Douglas, and Tetlow roads were visibly abandoned, with no sign of activity. All banks and schools were shut, and even typically ubiquitous street traders were absent. Sources among local traders, who requested anonymity, said they stayed home out of fear of possible reprisals.

No commercial transportation was operational, and public servants also refrained from work, signaling a full-scale observance across all sectors.

In response, there was a significant deployment of security operatives across Imo’s 27 local government areas. Joint teams from the Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDC, DSS, FRSC, Immigration, and Fire Services were mobilized to enforce law and order, conducting confidence-building patrols and show-of-force exercises.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, reiterated the stance of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemning the order and warning that any attempt to breach public peace would be met with firm legal consequences.

Security chiefs, including Brigadier General M. I. Abbas and Air Commodore D. E. Bello, reinforced that pre-emptive strategies were in place to counter any threats. Residents were urged to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities through official emergency lines.

Despite the assurances, the widespread compliance suggests the sit-at-home order still holds sway over public confidence in the state’s security infrastructure.