Social and economic activities have been grounded in Aba, Abia State; Awka, Anambra State capital on Monday following the sit-at-home order given by the proscribed Biafra agitators, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The group said it declared a sit-at-home order in rememberance of more than five million Igbo people who died during the three years of civil war between the defunct Biafra and Nigeria.
IPOB said May 31 is being observed as special day to remember the dead Igbos.
A resident of Awka Ngozi Nwosu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that she decided to stay at home in order to play safe.
“I do not want to go anywhere and thank God that my children’s schools are on break so all of us are indoors to avoid problem,” she said.
Another resident Ogochi Ezeike said that the leadership of Eke Awka Market, the major market in the state capital, told NAN that the market will not open for business due to the IPOB order.
“As you can see, everywhere is totally shutdown, even if one is in the market who will buy from the person?,” he queried.
Commercial banks, schools, shops, malls, were all shut in Owerri, Imo State capital on Monday morning.
Also, commercial and private vehicles deserted the roads in the state capital for fear of being shot by IPOB operatives.
But commissioner for information and strategy Declan Emelumba and the police had asked the people to ignore the separatist group’s sit-at-home order.
