We Have Nothing To Eat Sit-At-Home Order Paralyzes Businesses In Abia, Imo

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that a viral video, circulated two weeks ago, urged South-East residents to stay indoors on October 21 and 22 for their safety. The video, from an unidentified individual, claimed that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) would be unveiling its flag and Armoured Personnel Carriers across the region, leading to fears of a violent clash with security forces.

The panic sparked by the video led to the shutdown of markets, shops, banks, business premises, and schools across the South-East, causing a complete standstill in Aba, Umuahia, and Owerri. An Aba resident, Mr. Chinaka Samuel, noted that the frequent imposition of sit-at-home orders was damaging to the economic stability of the region and appealed to the Federal Government to resolve the situation by negotiating with IPOB and releasing their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mrs. Ijeoma Kelechukwu, a trader in Aba, shared her distress over the unexpected lockdown, explaining how it left her and her four children without food. Similarly, Mrs. Ijeoma Eze, a Community Health Worker and patent medicine shop owner, lamented that her business was crippled for two days, affecting her family’s livelihood.

Mr. Nelson Nwafor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, expressed concern over the growing economic damage caused by the sit-at-home orders. He also emphasized the need for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, believing it could bring an end to the shutdowns.

In Owerri, the Imo State capital, major markets and banks complied with the sit-at-home directive, leaving the streets empty, while a few small businesses and health services remained operational. The Imo State Police Command, however, debunked reports of violence during the sit-at-home, urging residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.

The two-day lockdown left the South-East in a state of economic paralysis, and residents are calling for urgent government intervention to address the underlying issues and restore normalcy.