IPOB: partial compliance as motorists, residents defy sit-at-home in Imo

There was partial compliance of the sit-at-home order issued by the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Owerri and environs.

Markets, banks, schools and other public places were open for business as motorists and other road users went about their businesses unconcerned.

The separatist group had declared September 14 a sit-at-home day in the Southeast to press home their demands, which include the disclosure of the whereabouts of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kalu.

A police helicopter hovered over the metropolis for most of the day

When our reporter visited some of the streets and markets in Owerri, the Imo state capital, residents were going about their normal duties, while a handful of market women were seen displaying their wares.

However for fear of any unforeseen circumstances, most of the shops were closed.

A resident of Owerri, Ike Nwosu, said that residents could not be bothered about the directive because it was a misplaced and inconsequential, adding that, “you can see people going about their businesses, this is because the people are wiser now and know that this agitation for Biafra will take the Igbo no where”.

He continued that, “we should explore other legitimate avenues to pursue our demands and not through illegal declarations that does not comply with the laws of the land. Such measure can only pitch our people against the government and nobody is wishing a repeat of what happened during the last civil war”.

But a trader who opted to stay at home in compliance to the directive, Ugonna Johnson, said that, ” I am at home in solidarity to the IPOB, we are not disturbing anybody, we are only making our demands known and we won’t stop until we actualize Biafra”.

Meanwhile there was heavy Police presence at suspected flash points within the state capital.

The State Police Command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, a Superintendent of Police, urged members of the public to ignore te directive.

The statement read “members of the public are advised to go about their lawful business and not to fall prey to the propaganda and directives of individual or group of persons whose activities remain largely proscribed.

“Parents/guardians are advised to restrain their children and wards from engaging in violent conduct and other acts likely to bring them in confrontation with the law”.