Residents of Umuahia, the state capital and Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State on Thursday partially observed the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Nation had reported armed men dressed in black attire, who claimed to be members of the IPOB, on Wednesday morning through afternoon went to various markets in Aba, including Ariara International market, Samek, Powerline, Bakassi and among other parts of the commercial city, warning them of the consequences of opening their shops, offices and business premises for Thursday’s sit-at-home order of the group.
The sudden sit-at-home order, which is expected to be observed throughout the southeast, The Nation learnt was in protest to the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Ebonyi where he is expected to commission some projects in the State.
Our correspondent, who monitored the compliance of residents with the IPOB order, reports that while a section of residents of Aba and Umuahia stayed away from their shops, offices and work places others went about their normal businesses.
Major markets, filing stations, including banks and private offices in Aba were closed.
Some banks and other offices opened in Umuahia.
Commercial motor parks opened for business with low patronage in early hours of Thursday but with slight improvement as the day progresses.
Passengers later came out in trickles to board cars to their respective destinations within and outside the State.
Those who had planned the burial of their loved ones went ahead to do such though most of the burials that held within Aba recorded low turnout.
