Despite assurances by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) that it would not enforce the sit-at-home order, residents of Owerri kept off the streets on Monday.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, had given assurances that the group would not enforce the weekly order.
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But as early as 6 am, our correspondent went around the streets and observed the ever-bubbling Owerri streets were virtually empty.
Even the few commercial vehicles, described as the early risers that convey women to markets to buy foodstuffs, kept off while school children who began their BECE (Junior WAEC) were stranded as they could not get vehicles to convey them to schools.
It was not certain if the examination went on as scheduled as many parents were apprehensive to allow their children into the streets.
However, when our correspondent visited some schools, some students said they were asked to get to school early to avoid being caught up in any ugly situation.
However, by noon when our correspondent made another tour around the city, the situation had started loosening up as some commercial vehicles were seen plying their trade, but banks and commercial centres still remained shut.
