IPOB paralyses Imo, traffic gridlock in Anambra

Economic and social activities have been paralysed in Imo over the Sit-At-Home order by Nnamdi Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). ...

Economic and social activities have been paralysed in Imo over the Sit-At-Home order by Nnamdi Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The sit-at-home, to commemorate Biafra Remembrance Day, is scheduled for 30 and 31 May, but people are already staying at home for fear of possible attacks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents of the state deserted markets and streets of the state capital for safety.

The statement issued by Kanu said the day was set aside in remembrance of over 5 million Biafrans who died during the 1967-1970 civil war in Nigeria.

NAN reports that people also kept away from the Government House axis with businesses around it under lock and key, while a combined team of security agents were seen patrolling the streets of the state capital.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abutu Yaro had earlier issued a statement, assuring residents of adequate security and urged the people to ignore the threat.

But only the presence of the military and police forces were noticed on the streets, while people kept away from the popular Ekeukwu Owerri Market and the timber market in Naze.

A commercial motorist, Mr Okechukwu Nnaji told NAN that motorists started experiencing poor patronage from commuters from May 28. 

“As I speak with you, I have not gotten N 2,000 since three days now. I normally make N8,000 daily.

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

A food vendor, Mrs Angela Eze popularly known as (Mama Africa) expressed worry that the situation might affect the economy of the state drastically.

She appealed to government to use diplomacy and find lasting solution to the problem.

In Onitsha, Anambra, some travellers going to Asaba and other parts of the country expressed dismay over delays caused by security checks at the busy Niger Bridge.

Those who spoke to NAN said travellers were made to spend hours at the Bridgehead before crossing.

Those who managed or succeeded to cross over to Asaba and vice versa did so trekking or using commercial motorcycles.

A traveller, who pleaded anonymity, said he joined an early morning vehicle heading to Lagos but was delayed by the check point mounted by the Police and Nigeria Army.

“I have spent more than three hours here trying to drive across the bridgehead.

“They said some gunmen killed five soldiers yesterday at Ihiala.

“I believe that this is why they are delaying us here,” the source said.

A commercial driver, Mr Kelechi Onwudiwe attributed the intensified security checks to the sit-at-home directive by members of the proscribed IPOB.

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

In his reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga 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 check point is to screen road users, detect crime and maintain law and order.

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

The spokesman said the Police were bent on delivering its mandate of protecting lives and property

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