• As IPOB sit-at-home order paralysis public, private businesses in S’East
From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu, Felix Ikem, Nsukka, Wilson Okereke, Afikpo, Obinna Odogwu, Awka, Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri, Okey Sampson, Umuahia
No fewer than 30 Pro-Biafra agitators were arrested yesterday by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, during a procession for Biafran Day commemoration in the state.
This is just as economic and social activities were paralysed in the five states of the South East geopolitical region, as residents observed the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Day, celebrated every May 30, across the old Eastern region.
The 30 Pro-Biafra agitators were members of Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) agitating for a Sovereign State of Biafra, were said to have been arrested at Okpara Square, Enugu around 11am.
A source told newsmen that the pro-Biafra agitators were at Okpara Square, to commemorate the May 30 remembrance of Biafra fallen heroes and agitators who died in course of self actualization of Biafra.
The added that they were in the process of carrying out a march past at the Square parade ground with their Leader, Mazi Benjamin Onwuka Kalu, in control the Police swooped on them, and hurled them into five Police Hilux vans that moved them to State Police headquarters, Enugu.
“It was when they started matching that about five Hilux vans loaded with policemen came and arrested them. I must tell you that they were not bearing any arms or dangerous weapons. What they had are Biafra Zionists insignia, stickers, flags of Biafra, Israel and USA.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe (DSP) when contacted said he was yet to get the information and promised to get back to newsmen.”
Meanwhile, compliance to the sit-at-home was so high that government offices, banks, markets, private offices and businesses including fuel stations were not opened for businesses, while most of the roads were deserted.
The University town of Nsukka witnessed total compliance as public and private schools, banks, markets, shops, motor parks, malls, and others in the area were all under lock and key.
In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, many filling stations were shut, but it was gathered that it was because of the removal of fuel subsidy.
Similarly, filing stations in Anambra State did not open for business following announcement of fuel subsidy removal. None of the fuel stations visited was dispensing petroleum products.
In Imo State, banks, schools, markets and other public institutions were closed.
Our correspondent who monitored the State capital, Owerri between 9 30 am and 11 am reported that even fuel stations were under lock and key. All the major roads were deserted except for few commercial vehicles which struggled to have two or three passengers in their vehicles.
Eke Ukwu Owerri, Relief market and Alaba market had scanty traders while the main shops were closed.
Abia State recorded partial compliance. Banks in the state capital did not open for business, but customers were allowed the use of ATM machines.
Vehicular movement was restricted to some areas in Umuahia, while commercial tricycle operators and some commercial bus drivers provided skeletal services in some other areas.
Schools, shops as well as markets were also under lock and key as some pupils and students oblivion of the sit-at-home order, returned home.
Reports from Aba indicated the order was observed by residents as schools, shops and markets were closed.
Equally, banks and Government offices were reported not to have opened. This is even as vehicular movement was disrupted.