IPOB grounds economic activities across South East

Economic and commercial activities came to a standstill across the South East, on Thursday.

Filling stations, banks, restaurants, major supermarkets shut down as a result of the sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Last week, IPOB, through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, declared May 30 as a sit-at-home in the South-East to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.

Powerful said: “Annually, 30th of May is a solemn memorial day for Biafrans. To honor our heroes and heroines, Biafrans are asked to observe this one (1) day sit-at-home in reverence to the spirits of our departed heroes who fought for us to be alive today.

“Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit-at-home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that has taken millions of lives of Biafrans.

“To that effect, IPOB directs all schools, government offices, Private offices, Banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down all operations in honor of our heroes and heroines on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

“IPOB directs all the residents of Biafra Land to stay indoors from 6am to 6pm on the 30th of May 2024. IPOB warns residents in Biafra to avoid loitering about on this day. Those who intend to travel to and fro Biafra land must do so before the evening of May 29th.”

Daily Trust reports that in Abia and Ebonyi States, streets were deserted and shops are under lock and key.

There was a video of an army van under gun attack, but Daily Trust could not authenticate it as of the time this report was filed.

Candidates of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Awka and its environs were said to have disguised themselves to the venue of their examination over fear of attack by the group, known for forceful and violent enforcement of its sit-at-home directives.

Meanwhile, police commands in the various South-East states have asked residents to disregard the sit-at-home order and go about their daily activities.