Biafra: Sit-At-Home Order Grounds South East
In Enugu, human, vehicular and economic activities were at a standstill with many residents remaining indoors. The massive compliance with the sit-at-home directive shows the increasing popularity of the quest for Biafra that began 50 years ago. What is needed to stop the agitation is not force that would lead to the loss of more lives and property but the tackling of the injustice and inequality that gave birth to it.
The sit-at-home directive issued by agitators in honour of their colleagues killed in the struggle for the realisation of Biafra Republic recorded a huge success in the South East and parts of South-South regions yesterday.
Apart from banks and government offices that opened for business, several other institutions including schools, markets, and shops were closed. Workers of the various ministries were seen in their offices offering skeletal services while public schools sent their students and teachers back home.
At higher institutions of learning, including the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus; Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), although some academic staff were sighted on duty, lectures were not held yesterday as the students did not turn up for classes.
The entrances to major markets in the state, including the Main Market, New Market, and Kenyetta Market were opened but all the shops in them were under lock and key.
Several vans loaded with armed policemen were sighted around the entrances of the markets. The police helicopters conducted aerial surveillance throughout the state yesterday. On ground was a security convoy made up of soldiers, members of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), officers of Department of State Services (DSS) and the Navy.
The popular Shoprite Centre, Roban Stores and some popular eateries in the state were closed.
Major roads, including Agbani, Zik Avenue, New Haven, Ogui, Bissalla, Coal camp and Edinburgh were deserted as just a few private and commercial cars plied them. Some youths turned some of the deserted roads into football fields. Other residents used the opportunity to engage in sporting activities at the Michael Okpara Square.
A resident, Daniel Dike, described the action as the “most successful in Enugu State so far.” “I have lived in this state for a long time; I have never witnessed this level of compliance by residents. Enugu had always shown indifference to the cause of Biafra, but this one is outstanding and I am happy about it.”
