There was partial compliance in the capital city of Awka and its environs on Monday as the two-day sit-at-home by the indigenous people of Biafra IPOB commenced.
But the situation was not the same in Onitsha and Nnewi where there was full compliance.
But Onitsha and Nnewi, the two commercial centres were like ghost towns, according to residents
Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo used Monday’s sit-at-home to visit Nibo community where no fewer than 13 persons were killed on Sunday
Commercial and social activities in Enugu State came to a standstill on Monday.
It was observed that although some citizens ventured out, there were no available vehicles to transport them to their destinations.
Residents expressed confusion and fear, lamenting that the sit-at-home order had paralyzed commercial activities.
Security operatives were seen stationed at major roads and junctions in the city.
Schools and some offices remained closed, while markets and major streets were mostly deserted. Only a few residents, along with some tricycles (Keke) and private vehicles, were seen on the roads.
A trader at Ogbette Main Market, Obumneme Okolo, told Vanguard that although he came out on Monday morning for business, he was unable to open his shop because shops and banks in the area were locked.
He explained, “Yesterday evening, I heard that Governor Peter Mbah said the two-day sit-at-home order by IPOB would not hold in Enugu.
“But when I came out this morning, there were no buses to take me to my shop. I was lucky to get a ride from a neighbor, but when I reached the market, only a few traders were present, and we were too afraid to open our shops for fear of being attacked.
“This is a disturbing situation. The government must act fast because we can’t continue like this. If I don’t sell in my shop, how do I feed my family
“We are suffering, losing money and customers. The government and leaders of the South-East must engage the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu,” Okolo urged.
Residents of Imo State observed the sit-at-home order, with streets remaining deserted.
It was gathered that there was no movement across the state, with shops closed and no workers seen in transit.
One pedestrian, who was spotted near the IMSU junction and requested anonymity, said, “As you can see, everywhere is deserted due to the sit-at-home that began today.
“For fear of being attacked by gunmen, everyone has decided to stay indoors and wait for events to unfold.”
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