Commercial and public activities were grounded across some eastern states, this includes, Enugu State, Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State on Friday as residents adhered strictly to the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) in commemoration of fallen Biafran heroes.
TheNewsGuru reports that Biafra Day, observed annually on May 30, commemorates the 1967 declaration of the defunct Republic of Biafra by the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Although not officially recognised by the state or federal government, the day has taken root among many in the South East as a solemn remembrance of the Nigerian Civil War and its aftermath.
In Enugu metropolis, TNG observed the closure of banks, markets, fuel stations, and schools. Public servants were seen briefly signing attendance registers before promptly returning home.
As for Umuahia, the usually bustling streets were largely deserted, with the only signs of life being sporadic movements of tricycles and a few vehicles.
Shops along major roads remained shut, with markets and motor parks also following suit in compliance with the order.
Banks across the city kept their doors closed to customers, and educational institutions, both public and private, remained closed, with students and pupils staying at home.
Despite the lack of commercial activities, some youths were seen occupying the empty streets, engaging in a friendly game of soccer.
Elsewhere, small groups of people gathered at the entrances of their homes, discussing the latest political and security developments in the country.
The spokesman for IPOB, Emma Powerful, confirmed the lockdown, stating that the day has been set aside specifically to commemorate the sacrifices made by those who fought for the Biafra cause.
Interestingly, the usual presence of security forces was not observed on the streets, and, as of the time of reporting, there had been no reported clashes between security agents and those enforcing the sit-at-home order.