Economic, educational, and governmental activities in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, ground to a halt on Friday as residents observed the sit-at-home directive issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The directive, an annual tradition to honour fallen Biafran heroes on May 30, was strictly obeyed, despite calls by the Imo State Police Command urging citizens to ignore it and go about their normal activities.
The city was eerily deserted, with major roads such as Wetheral, Douglas, and Tetlow—typically bustling with commercial activity—completely empty. Schools, banks, and public transport services were shut down, and even street touts and traders were absent.
Traders, speaking anonymously, cited fear of potential attacks as their reason for staying away, opting to protect their lives and property amid the tension.
In response to the anticipated disruption, a strong contingent of security operatives was deployed across the state. Personnel from the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Immigration, FRSC, and the Federal Fire Service conducted show-of-force patrols to reassure the public and deter any threat.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, reiterated the position of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who dismissed the sit-at-home order as illegal and warned that anyone attempting to enforce it would face the full wrath of the law. He emphasized that robust security arrangements had been made in collaboration with other agencies to maintain peace and protect lives and property throughout the 27 local government areas of the state.
Okoye urged residents to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activity through the Command’s emergency lines. Despite these efforts, the lockdown remained total, highlighting the deep-rooted impact of IPOB’s directives in the region.
