By Cajetan Mmuta
Despite the assurances by relevant authorities across the five states in the Southeast geo-political zone over threats by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) not to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari who was on an official visit to Imo state, residents yesterday stayed indoors amid fears of the unknown.
Business and social activities were at the lowest ebb in parts of Awka, the Anambra state capital, the commercial town of Onitsha, Nnewi; Enugu, parts of Owerri, and Orlu in Imo state, Abia, Umuahia, and Ebonyi and adjoining areas of the states.
Investigations revealed that markets, banks, shops, and schools were shut even as roads were deserted in observance of the Sit-At-Home order by IPOB although the group had at the last minute on Wednesday stayed there was no such directive on the people in the five states of the zone.
In Awka, the Anambra state capital, the popular Eke Awka daily Market, Onitsha International Main Market, Nkwor Nnewi Auto Parts Market, Building Materials Market Nkpor, and major towns were shut even as major streets and roads were empty.
At Old road junction in Obosi town, a man whose identity had remained unknown as at the time of this report was shot by unknown gunmen while on his way to attend morning mass at an undisclosed Catholic church while another man on a commercial motorcycle was seriously wounded and his bike set ablaze at Afor Agulu in Anaocha local government area of the state in the early hours of the day.
The incident had sent jitters in the psyche of market women and traders in the market, which forced them to disperse and went back home.
At Amawbia near Awka town, tricycle operators deserted the roads as shops remain closed.
In Owerri the Imo state capital where Governor Hope Uzodinma and his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) played host to President Buhari who was in the state to commission projects executed by the state government, residents remained of Weatherall and Douglas road; Mechanics Village, host community of Imo State University and Pkigwe road remained deserted.
A handful of APC members and government functionaries were on hand to receive the President from Sam Mbakwe International Airport while markets and businesses were not in progress.
In Abia state, the popular Ariaria international market was under lock and key while Port Harcourt/Osisioma road and roads leading parts of Umuahia main town remained deserted.
In Enugu state and environs, residents stayed indoors while the popular Ogbaete Enugu market was shut even as motor parks were not operational throughout yesterday.
Also, in Ebonyi state, the renowned Abakiliki international market, shops, business centers, motor parks and ministries including the judiciary were under lock and key while workers did not go to work.
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A resident of Awka who gave his name as Chuks Okafor described the situation as “shocking which has obvious crippling effects to the people of the state and other areas.”
A tricycle operator, Mr. Monday noted that “this Sit-At-Home, if not handled well, will further worsen the plight of Ndigbo and entire southeast.
He lamented that “Today’s own sit at home was the worst because we are presently suffering fuel increase to add to this ugly situation that does not allow businesses and our normal hustle for what to feed our families with”.
Although, in all there was relative calm as security operatives including a team of military personnel were seen on patrol on parts of Awka and its environs to ensure the safety of lives and property.
As at the time of filing this report, hordes of roadside businesses and hawkers were spotted along major roads and streets of the capital town of Awka including popular Zik’s Avenue leading to Eke Awka area to sell their wares.
