Economic and social activities were brought to a standstill in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as residents complied with a sit-at-home order observed annually on May 30 to honour fallen Biafra heroes.
According to The PUNCH, despite assurances from security agencies and a warning from the Imo State Police Command to disregard the order, residents remained indoors.
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra had, once again, directed people across the Southeast to stay off the streets in remembrance of those who died during the Nigerian Civil War.
Major commercial areas such as Wetheral, Douglas, and Tetlow roads were completely deserted, with no commercial buses, banks, schools, or businesses in operation. Even roadside vendors and street traders, often undeterred by security threats, stayed away.
A trader, who asked not to be named, said, “I can’t risk opening my shop. Whether we like it or not, people are afraid of being attacked. It’s better to stay safe at home for just one day than to take chances.”
Security operatives from the Army, Police, Nigerian Air Force, DSS, Civil Defence, and other agencies were stationed throughout the city and in other parts of the state, conducting patrols and show-of-force exercises.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the security deployments. He noted that all 27 local government areas in the state were covered by joint security patrols to prevent violence and protect lives and property.
According to Okoye, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has again urged law-abiding residents to ignore the illegal sit-at-home directive by IPOB and its armed affiliate, ESN. Robust security measures have been activated in collaboration with other agencies to prevent any form of threat or attack.”
He added, “The Service Commanders—including Brigadier General M. I. Abbas of the 34 Artillery Brigade; Air Commodore D. E. Bello of the Nigerian Air Force 211 QRG; DSS Director Olushola Aguda; and heads of the NSCDC, Immigration, and FRSC—are working jointly to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
Okoye warned that any attempt to enforce the sit-at-home through intimidation or violence would be met with strict legal consequences. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the police.
“The public is encouraged to make use of the command’s emergency numbers—08034773600 or 08148024755—should they notice anything unusual,” he said.
Despite the security presence and reassurances, Friday in Imo was marked by silence, empty streets, and locked doors—a testament to the enduring fear and influence of the outlawed separatist group’s directive.
