Africa Press-Nigeria:
The sit-at-home exercise called by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) flopped in most states and major cities in the South-east except for Onitsha and Nnewi in Anambra, and Aba in Abia State.
IPOB, outlawed by the Nigerian government for demanding an independent Biafra country, announced the sit-at-home in South-east states to coincide with this year’s Independence Day across Nigeria.
The group, which has repeatedly said it is non-violent and wants a referendum to achieve its aims, has been described as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government. Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, jumped bail during his treason trial and is currently abroad.
Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu ignore order
It was business as usual in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State as residents went about their normal business activities.
Also vehicles moved in and out of the state as usual commercial activities were in full swing.
No one was seen on the streets or around residential areas coercing anyone to sit at home during the public holiday in the ctate.
As of the time of this report, the police had not mentioned any person arrested in connection with the sit-at-home directive of IPOB, even as members of IPOB were not seen in their regalia chanting or attracting the attention of the general public.
Police spokesperson, Loveth Odah, stated that there is no reported case of harassment from citizens by any group or groups in the state.
“We are on visibility patrol in the state. There is no reported case of harassment. Ebonyi people should stay safe, law-abiding and go about their normal businesses,” she told PREMIUM TIMES.
