Biafra: Nigerians observe IPOB sit-at-home order, ignore police directive

Commercial activities came to a standstill on Monday in Owerri as residents deserted the Imo state capital in compliance with the sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Nnamdi-Kanu-led IPOB had said human and vehicular movement would be restricted across the South-East to mark the 54th anniversary of Biafra.

As a result, the group said all markets, parks, schools, airports and others would be shut down.

Information commissioner Declan Emelumba and the police had asked people to ignore the separatist group’s sit-at-home order. But commercial banks, schools, shops, malls, were all shut in Owerri on Monday morning, Punch reported.

Also, commercial and private vehicles deserted the roads in the state capital for fear of being shot by IPOB operatives.

The IPOB order is also being observed in other parts of the South-East.

IPOB, which has now launched a militia wing called the Eastern Nigerian Security (ESN), wants to form its own country of Biafra.