Markets, banks and other business centres in Abia State were closed as
residents complied with the Sit at home order by leadership of the
Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), in memory of Biafra’s fallen
heroes.
The roads are deserted as motorists also complied with the order.
Schools were also shut as proprietors had warned parents and guardians
to keep their children at home.
The popular Ariaria International as well as Cemetery, New, Ekeoha and
Ehere markets was also closed to business as traders stayed away.
Roads leading to the Police Area Command and the Correctional centre
were barricaded by heavily armed policemen.
In Umuahia, the popular Isi Gate, motor parks and all the major roads
were deserted. Business centres shut their doors. One lane of the Bende
road leading to the State Police headquarters was closed to traffic.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had during a live programme on Channels
Television explained that he would not force Abia traders to open for
business if they choose not to.
Unlike during past sit at home events, there are no security patrols on
the roads.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, urged residents of
the state to ignore the sit at home order and go about their normal
duties with fear.
He urged parents to warn their children against being used to commit
violence, and warned that anybody arrested will be prosecuted.
