TheCable

Ndukwu Clement, proprietor of Early Child Development Academy, Orji in Owerri North LGA, says the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is affecting academic activities in the state.

IPOB on July 30 ordered a sit-at-home in the south-east every Monday until Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, is released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Although the group, suspended the order on August 14, activities have been paralysed in south-east states every Monday.

Imo has been particularly hit by sit-at-home protests, which forced the state to shut down businesses every Monday.

Speaking with TheCable on Monday, Ndukwu said despite the cancellation of the sit-at-home order, residents and students still find it difficult to come out on Mondays owing to fear of the unknown.

The proprietor said since the order has been cancelled, people should be allowed to go about their normal business without any form of molestation.

He called on the government and law enforcement agencies to take urgent steps in assuring Imo residents of their safety so as to enable parents and guardians to allow their children and wards to attend school.

“This sit-at-home has affected us badly, though we have not been observing it but last Monday after what happened in Owerri, we have to tell them to stay at home because life first,” he said.

“Many parents and guardians don’t bring their children to school on Mondays due to the risk involved, it has affected teaching and learning because Monday is gone out if every week and the curriculum is running thereby making students to miss their classes.”

Economic activities were paralysed in Owerri on Monday as banks, schools, shops and many markets failed to open for business.