TheCable

Economic and social activities have been halted in Imo state following the sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The pro-Biafra agitators had declared a sit-at-home across south-east states from May 29 to 31.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, had said the sit-at-home order was to pay homage to the Biafrans who died during the three-year civil war in Nigeria.

According to NAN, markets and streets in the state were deserted over the fear of possible attacks.

Shops around the government house axis were reportedly under lock while a combined team of security agencies were seen patrolling the streets of the state capital.

Abutu Yaro, the state commissioner of police, had earlier assured residents of adequate security and urged the people to ignore the sit-at-home order.

But lamenting the effect of the situation, Okechukwu Nnaji, a commercial motorist, said motorists started experiencing poor patronage from commuters since Friday.

“As I speak with you, I have not got N2,000 since three days now, I normally make N8,000 daily,” Nnaji said.

“I don’t know how to feed my family if things do not improve soon.”

Angela Eze, a food vendor, also expressed worry that the situation might affect the economy of the state drastically.

She appealed to the government to be diplomatic in its approach and find a lasting solution to the problem.

Some travellers who are on their way to Asaba, Delta state, and other parts of the country also complained about the delays caused by the security checks at the Niger Bridge, Onitsha in Anambra state.

The travellers reportedly said some of them were made to spend hours at the Bridgehead before crossing while those who managed to cross over to Asaba and vice versa did so on foot or through commercial motorcycles.

Kelechi Onwudiwe, a commercial driver said: “The traffic here in Onitsha is terrible. It is deliberately caused by soldiers who are searching for members of IPOB.”

But commenting on the development, Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra police public relations officer, said the security check was a routine exercise.

Ikenga said the checkpoint was part of strategies security agencies used to control and screen people coming and leaving the state.

“The check has been there before now even before the sit-at-home order. The purpose of the checkpoint is to screen road users, detect crime and maintain law and order,” he said.

“In as much as we are still analysing the security situation, the checkpoint is like an ordinary day exercise for us.”