Major markets, stores and streets were closed down in most of the state capitals of South-East yesterday in full compliance with the May 30 sit-at-home order in honour of over three million “Biafran Heroes” killed in the Nigerian Civil War

In Aba and Umuahia, Abia State, the commercial and industrial hub of Eastern Nigeria, the shutdown was with 100 per cent compliance as no business activities took place, just as there were varied degrees of compliance in Owerri and Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that the same situation was witnessed around the major and minor motor parks in Abia, as both government and private motor parks were deserted with no presence of passengers.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation around major markets like the Ariaria International Market Aba, Ahia-Ohuru, Cemetery Market, Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Uratta Integrated Timber Market, Good Morning Market, Ehere Market and the Alaoji Spare Parts Market reported that there was total compliance with the sit-at-home order in respect of Biafran fallen heroes.

Minor markets around the city, like School Road market, Clifford Road market, Tenant Road market, Market Road market, Cameroon Road market, Ahia Nkwor Foodstuffs Market, Afor-Ule Foodstuffs Market, AmaOgbonna Foodstuffs Market, Kent Textile Market,

Jubilee Road Engine Oil and Furniture Items Market, St Michael’s Road Phone and Computer Accessories Market, Pound Road Kitchen Utensils Market, Etche Road Textile Market, etc., were equally shut down.

In Umuahia, people, either for fear of molestation or in true sympathy with the cause, stayed home. However, there was no molestation of those who had any reason to attend to one engagement or the other.

In areas like the ever-busy Azikiwe Road, Isi Gate and Uzuakoli Road some shops opened for business. In Aba, it was a total lockdown. No vehicles were seen, especially commercial ones.

Travelers were reportedly stranded. The few travelers had to wait for hours to fill the vehicle. They not only had to pay more; they also spent more time getting to their destinations.

Streets were full of youths who engaged in sporting activities in the early morning but went quiet in the afternoon, as many retired to their various houses, as the improved electricity supply kept many families busy without bothering about what was happening in their neighbourhood.

A businessman, Albert Uzochukwu, said that inasmuch as he would have loved to go out as he does every day of the week except Sunday, it would have been foolish of him to go out and be the only one selling and buying as well.

Markets shut down, streets deserted in Owerri

Owerri, the Imo State capital on Saturday wore a solemn look as most residents stayed indoors, closed businesses and avoided their regular activities in honour of the fallen heroes of the defunct Biafran state.

Early risers in the city noticed the unusual desertion of the major roads and streets with the scant presence of commercial buses and commuters.

Saturday is usually a big day for weekend shoppers and families who normally restock their homes on the weekend, but the Owerri Main market popularly known as Ekeukwu Owerri was also deserted with most shops under lock and key even by midday.

The most common activities were youths who converted the deserted roads and streets around IMSU junction/ back gate to makeshift football pitches and those who used the occasion to engage in road walk and physical workout along the roadway.

In the Owerri metropolis, there was no sign of enforcement either by the government security operatives or by non-state actors in the form of pro-Biafran agitators. As at the time of filing this report, the city of Owerri is calm and peaceful.

Partial compliance in Anambra

In Anambra, there was partial compliance to the sit at home order as shops were opened for business shortly after the end of the monthly environmental sanitation at around 10.30 am .

At Onitsha, some shops were opened while others were shut in compliance to the order and there was no violence recorded. Traders sat at drinking bars exchanging pleasantries with their colleagues expressing that no one was forced to sit at home.

Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualization Of the Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) has congratulated the Igbos over their compliance to the May 30 Biafran Day Anniversary.

The movement also called for prayers among the churches for the repose of the over three million Biafrans allegedly killed during the war.

According to the statement issued by the leader of MASSOB Comerade Uchenna Madu: “The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) congratulate the great people of Biafra for observing today’s sit at home exercise in commemoration of the 59th anniversary declaration of Biafra by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1967.