Residents of Imo State on Friday adhered in large numbers to the sit-at-home directive declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra in remembrance of Biafra Heroes Day.
In the state capital, Owerri, major roads and public spaces remained deserted. By the time this report was filed, movement was minimal, with the only visible presence being joint patrol teams made up of personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Road Safety Commission.
Normally bustling routes such as Okigwe, Wetheral, Tetlow, Douglas, Mbaise, Egbu, Orji, and Aba Roads were all empty.
Likewise, commercial hubs including Ekeonunwa Owere, Relief Market, Alaba Market, and other business centres were shut. While a few traders operated behind closed doors, most did so cautiously, clearly gripped by fear.
In response to the development, Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, along with heads of other security outfits in the state, issued a message of reassurance to residents regarding their safety.
The statement, released by the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, emphasized the readiness of security agencies to protect lives and property.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has once again called on the good and law-abiding people of Imo State to disregard the disruptive sit-at-home threat issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” the statement read.
He affirmed that the police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, had put in place strong preventive measures to counter any potential threats across all parts of the state.
“The Imo State Police Command, therefore, issues a stern warning to any person or group planning to breach the peace by attempting to enforce the illegal sit-at-home threat: such persons will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land,” the statement continued.
Commissioner Danjuma further urged residents to stay alert and report unusual activities or movements to the nearest police station or reach out via the command’s emergency lines: 08034773600 or 08148024755.
