Rita Odafe
On Friday, economic and social activities in South-East Nigeria were significantly disrupted as residents adhered to the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate this year’s Biafra Remembrance Day.
Major urban centers such as Enugu (the capital of Enugu State), Onitsha (the commercial center of Anambra State), Awka (Anambra’s capital), Aba, Umuahia in Abia State, Owerri (Imo State capital), and Abakaliki (Ebonyi State capital) witnessed widespread closures.
Shops, banks, educational institutions, workplaces, and public transport services were shut down, leaving the streets largely empty.
Some residents chose to remain indoors as a sign of solidarity and respect for those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War, while others remained inside out of concern for possible violence from those enforcing the directive.
Biafra Remembrance Day, celebrated annually on May 30, is a solemn event for many in the South-East, honoring the estimated one to three million people, predominantly of Igbo heritage, who died during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
This conflict stemmed from the declaration of the Republic of Biafra by the late Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, which faced opposition from Nigeria’s federal government under General Yakubu Gowon, resulting in a devastating three-year war characterized by severe casualties, famine, and displacement.
Founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB has continuously advocated for the secession of the South-East and certain parts of the South-South to establish an independent Biafra.
The group has designated May 30 as a “sacred” day of remembrance, enforcing sit-at-home orders with varying levels of adherence and disruption over the years.
This year saw significant compliance in many regions, with residents locking their businesses and refraining from travel, despite warnings from police and security agencies against enforcing the order.
In Umuahia, Abia State’s capital, the streets were void of activity as residents fully complied with the sit-at-home directive.
Roads were deserted, with minimal movement of vehicles and only occasional tricycles seen.
Shops, markets, motor parks, banks, and both private and public educational institutions remained closed.
In Owerri, the markets, schools, and offices were shuttered as residents complied with the sit-at-home directive.
In Anambra, SaharaReporters noted compliance in Onitsha, while Awka, the capital, exhibited partial adherence with some businesses remaining open. Nevertheless, major markets like Eke Awka were largely closed, with minimal activity reported.
Busy areas like Temporary Site (Tem Site), home to major transportation companies and banks, were nearly deserted with only a few movements.
“I can confirm there is complete compliance in Onitsha,” a resident shared with SaharaReporters via phone.
“Actually, I haven’t stepped outside since morning. Everything is locked down. No business activities are occurring.”
Residents in Awka communicated to SaharaReporters that they hadn’t gone out either, asserting that despite police warnings, most chose to stay home in memory of those lost during the Civil War.
One individual, Mr. Emmanuel, expressed, “I have stayed indoors, not only because of the sit-at-home order, but because we need to honor our fallen heroes from the civil war.
“People are voluntarily staying home as a matter of principle on a day like today. It’s only for one day.”
Another resident, who wished to be called Obata, said, “Even some in the police and army share our sentiments. They follow orders from their superiors, but many would prefer to join us in observing the sit-at-home.”
“Disregard what the police announce. If situations escalate, many would retreat. They too are human and value their lives. So far, we haven’t reported any violence or incidents anywhere in the state or neighboring regions.”
Reports from Enugu and Ebonyi states indicated that residents partially complied with the sit-at-home order, with limited movement observed. A few businesses opened with hardly any customers.
“It’s only partially observed in Enugu,” a resident mentioned to SaharaReporters by phone.
“There are some movements within Enugu city, but nothing on the highways. Normally, heavy trucks from the North flood the highways through Ebonyi State, but I haven’t seen any since morning.”
This resident highlighted that educational institutions in both urban and rural areas were closed, noting that often, when city schools shut down, rural ones follow suit.
Regarding markets, banks, and offices, he remarked, “Well, places like Ogbete Market are key, and while it’s technically open, there are hardly any patrons.”
Another local in Abakaliki, Chimdi, noted, “Busy spots like the International Market and motor parks are virtually inactive. Just sporadic movements are observed.
“Generally, compliance isn’t absolute, but people are respecting the sit-at-home order because the potential for violence is unpredictable.”
Overall, it was reported that security forces intensified patrols to maintain peace, but no major incidents have been documented up to this point.
In a statement earlier this week, IPOB described the sit-at-home observance as a peaceful initiative to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the region’s wellbeing.
The group, however, cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the order.
This comes even though government officials had warned against compliance with IPOB’s directive, stating that such actions are illegal.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have often urged the government to adopt a more inclusive approach to address the South-East’s grievances and engage in dialogues rather than relying solely on force.
Friday’s comprehensive shutdown adds another layer to the ongoing tension between separatist groups and the Nigerian state, as the legacy of the Biafran conflict continues to influence cultural and political identities in the region.
