Despite the suspension of the sit-at-home initially ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in the South east states of the country to press for the unconditional release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, many people remained indoors in the region on Monday for fear the unexpected might happen to them.
The group had ordered the observance of the sit-at-home every Monday, effective August 9. Today would have been the second day of the exercise, which had grounded socioeconomic activities in the usually vibrant five states of the region last Monday with incalculable losses, accompanied with massive pains and frustration.
Following popular outcry against the exercise due to its grave economic implications on the people in the region, the group had announced the suspension of the exercise.
Nevertheless, bank operators, artisans and spare parts dealers on Monday closed their businesses in Imo State despite the suspension of the exercise.
Information and Strategy commissioner, Declan Emelumba, in a statement, directed all residents to ignore the sit-at-home injunction and go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation.
However, streets in Owerri capital city and state capital, were empty as shops, stores and banks were shut down in observance of the sit-at-home order.
At Wetheral road, all shops and offices were closed down due to fear of unknown while at Douglas Road few traders were seen selling their products on the road.
At Alaba International market along Aba-Owerri road, the ever-bubbling market was scanty as the spare parts dealers offered skeletal services to some customers who came to the market.
Also, some petrol stations along the same Aba-Owerri road did not open as few motorists and commercial bus drivers plying the roads were seen picking few passengers.
A commercial bus driver, Ikenna Onuoha said: “We have been plying the road with few passengers unlike normal days, many people did not come out today(Monday).”
A man operating a beer parlour on Douglas Road, Nze Paulinus Nwopara, said the information on the suspension of sit- at -home order came rather too late on Saturday.
“Many people were not aware that the IPOB has suspended the action but I came out only to see the whole streets empty, ” he noted.
Also at Onitsha in Anambra State, roads were deserted despite suspension of IPOB sit-at-home order.
