Pointblanknews.com gathered that all markets, banks, schools, shopping malls and other trading centres in the state were deserted.
In Umuahia, there was free movement of persons, but banks and shop owners were afraid to open for business despite assurances by the police and Abia State government urging residents to go about their duties without fear.
IPOB had issued a statement suspending the weekly sit at home order in Igbo land.
However, in Aba, hoodlums appear to have seized the opportunity to attack residents who dared to come out.
As early as 7.30am, soldiers had dispersed some hoodlums who mounted a roadblock at the Port Harcourt road/ Ngwa road junction attacking those who defied the order.
Another set of hoodlums had burnt a tricycle along Osusu road as the rider fled to safety.
Soldiers operating along the Uratta area of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway shot dead a young man as they fired into a crowd. The young man died before he could receive medical attention.
According to a resident of the area; “We were all out here to see how things were going on. Suddenly, the three army Hilux Van was crossing. They just stopped their vehicles, came down and opened fire.
“Some of us didn’t run until we saw them pointing guns directly at us. We were not even protesting. This is my street. I only came out to check things out.
“The boy their bullet caught on the chest died instantly as everyone ran away. The soldiers shot him, entered their vans and zoomed off.”
The situation degenerated as hoodlums suspected to be members of the dreaded Aro-Cult took over Aba, harassing residents and extort money from anyone they saw on the street.
There was panic as the cult boys continued without any challenge from security agents.
