Schools and businesses across the Southeast states of the country have been shut down following the commemoration of May 30, Biafra Day.
Also, banks and financial institutions remained closed with streets in Owerri, Imo State; Umuahia and Aba in Abia State; and Enugu deserted.
Recall that the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had announced the enforcement of a sit-at-home order in the Southeast states.
The IPOB said the sit-at-home order in these states is aimed at honouring the soldiers who died during the cause of the civil war.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the IPOB also claimed it ordered the sit-at-home to prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the Biafra Day to cause mayhem in these states.
The group also advised bodies like the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to ensure that exams fixed on the said date are moved to avoid putting school children in harm’s way.
However, speaking to Bellnews, a resident of Umuahia, Charity Obike said her children’s school had earlier asked parents to keep their wards at home.
Obike said, “We are all at home. My children did not go to school today and this is applicable to both the public and private schools in Umuahia. I did not also go to work because they already sent a memo that nobody should come to the office today.”
The same goes for streets in Imo State where shops and other business owners stayed away from transacting any form of business.
Some of them, however, stated that they might have to open their shops later in the evening when they would be sure of their safety.