Owerri, the Imo state capital, was a shadow of itself on Monday as residents stayed indoors.
This has continued for two months after the Indigenous People of Biafra, cancelled its weekly sit-at-home order in protest over the detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.
On Monday in Owerri, banks, schools, markets and offices were under lock and key.
Our correspondent, who monitored the development, saw some youths playing football at Ikenegbu, a place known for huge economic activities.
Students of Imo State University refused to attend lecturs, just as parents and guardians kept their children and wards at homes.
Apart from pharmacy shops, all the stalls on Mbari, Okigwe Road, Imo State University junction, Control Post roundabout, Akwakuma, Amakaohia and Wethedral Roads, were locked.
Few persons who came out were seen trekking as commercial vehicles stayed away from the roads.
Our correspondent saw security operatives mounting a roadblock at Orji flyover on Owerri- Okigwe Road, as other security agents patrolled the town.
A newspaper seller, Onyebuchi, told our correspondent that had yet to sell as people did not come out.
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He said, “I just came out because it is better to be here than to be at home doing nothing.”
Similarly, Abia residents observed the sit-at-home order.
Aba and Umuahia streets were empty as people largely stayed at home, stores were locked and transporters shunned the streets.
A businessman in Umuahia, Uche Dick, said he lost a day’s revenue.
An Aba resident and President General, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, said in Aba, “the obedience was total”.
He said, “Though IPOB has canceled the order, miscreants carried out illegal enforcement.”
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