Report on the Sit-at-Home Order by IPOB in the South-East Region of Nigeria

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued a sit-at-home order in the South-East region of Nigeria on Thursday to commemorate Biafra Day on May 30th. This report analyzes the compliance levels and activities in the five states: Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi.

In Ebonyi State, there was significant compliance with the sit-at-home order. The streets were largely deserted, and major economic activities were halted: Banks, schools, offices, eateries, shopping malls, and markets were all closed. Motor parks were shut down, and there were only a few cars on the roads. The All Progressives Congress (APC) postponed its delegates' congress that was scheduled to hold across the state. Despite the general compliance, some students were able to write their exams.

Enugu State also saw high compliance with the sit-at-home directive: Some students, including those sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), slept in their exam halls the night before out of fear of missing their exams. For example, an SS3 student reported:

 “We wrote general mathematics both theory and objectives today. Many of us that are day students slept in the classrooms to avoid missing the examination due to the sit-at-home order. As you can see, we are done with the examination and we are going back home to meet with our families.”The Enugu metropolis was paralyzed. Petrol stations, markets, shopping malls, and street trading activities were all shut down. Transport services were withdrawn, leaving those who attempted to go to work stranded.

In Anambra State, compliance was also high:Students, including those taking important exams, managed to reach their exam centers by walking in groups. One student noted:

   “We walked to school in groups to get to the examination centre, but nothing happened. It’s crucial for parents to enroll their children in schools close to their homes in case of such eventuality.” General compliance was observed, with businesses remaining closed.

Abia State exhibited total compliance, with additional incidents of violence:

All businesses were closed, and there was a general cessation of activities.

The governor expressed understanding towards those remembering their loved ones who died during the Biafran War.

 A tragic event occurred at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill Aba, where unknown gunmen shot and killed some military officers on duty and burned down their post. Residents were cautioned to avoid the area due to heightened tension and military presence:

   “There was a very big tragedy today at Obikabia junction Ogbor Hill Aba. Unknown gunmen shot down some military officers at duty in that military post at Obikabia junction and burned down that military post. People have been cautioned to avoid movements along Ukaegbu junction, Umuola junction, federal road to Arts and Science connecting to Obikabia junction for now. The area is very hot now, please stay away from this axis.”

Imo State also saw total compliance with the sit-at-home order:

All shops were locked, and the roads were unusually devoid of motorists.

The sit-at-home order by IPOB on May 30th was widely observed across the South-East region of Nigeria, resulting in significant disruptions to daily life and economic activities. Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, and Imo States all experienced high levels of compliance, with businesses, schools, and transportation services largely shut down. Notably, Abia State witnessed a severe security incident, highlighting the potential for violence associated with such directives. This widespread observance reflects the deep-seated sentiments and historical significance associated with Biafra Day in the region.