IPOB debunks ordering Monday, Tuesday sit-at-home in South-East

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied ordering a sit-at-home in the South East from Monday, October 21 to Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

 

The pro-Biafra group emphasized that it always makes public announcements when it declares a sit-at-home and urged the public to ignore what it described as an “obnoxious order” from criminals allegedly working to demonize IPOB.

 

IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, clarified through a statement that the organization does not enforce sit-at-home order without a valid reason.

 

He said: “IPOB did not order a two-day sit-at-home, and we don’t want to create panic over such inconsequential directives from infiltrators.

 

“We chose not to issue a press statement on an inconsequential order from these infiltrators.

 

“IPOB is not in the habit of threatening Ndigbo. Whenever we declare a sit-at-home, we make it public. Our people should ignore such obnoxious orders from criminals working for the government to tarnish the peaceful image of the IPOB movement.”

 

Meanwhile, commercial activities in Aba, Abia State, were disrupted following a sit-at-home declared by suspected pro-Biafra organizations.

 

Schools, banks, markets, and other businesses remained closed.

 

Major roads such as Azikiwe, Faulks, Ngwa, Aba-Owerri, Obohia, Ohanku, Ikot Ekpene, and the Aba Main Motor Park were deserted.

 

Several combined teams of soldiers and police officers were seen patrolling key areas of the city.

 

The situation was not different in the capital Umuahia, which reportedly witnessed a near-total shutdown arising from the fear of attack by sit-at-home enforcers.

 

Unlike previous sit-at-home protests, Monday’s sit-at-home recorded total compliance as the streets were stone-dead and major roads completely deserted.

 

Human and vehicular traffic was limited although there were occasional movements of tricycles and vehicles.

 

Students and pupils stayed at home as schools did not open for studies.

 

Reports said most private schools had earlier reportedly communicated to their students and pupils that they would not open on Monday and Tuesday.

 

Banks also did not open to customers, while only a few street shops opened for business.

 

Residents stayed back in their houses for fear of the unknown.

 

Further reports said a police convoy comprising Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and patrol vans with two Jeeps, suspected to be that of the Commissioner of Police, were observed patrolling some major roads.

 

The city was, however, generally peaceful devoid of any violence anywhere.