Markets, schools and offices shut down on Friday based on the sit-at-home order by a
separatist group, the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in Imo State.
The development brought economic activities to a standstill.
The roads were empty, with only a handful of commercial vehicles plying the routes within and outside Owerri, the state capital.
Details shortly…
The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has declared May 30, sit-at-home day across the Southeast states in the country.
According to IPOB, the sit-at-home was to honour Biafran heroes who died during the civil war of 1967 to 1970.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, made this known via a statement signed and released by him on Thursday.
IPOB has directed all schools, government offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down all operations on Thursday.
The statement reads: “We the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the indomitable and charismatic leader Mazi Nnamdi OkwuChukwu Kanu declares Thursday, May 30, 2024 a sit-at-home day in Biafra Land for all Biafrans, friends of Biafra, lovers of freedom, and all residents in Biafra Land.
“We celebrate 30th of May as our heroes and heroines day when we remember the men and women who died that we may live, before, during, and after the Nigeria genocidal war against Biafrans between 1967 and 1970 and beyond and even until now.
“Annually, 30th of May is a solemn memorial day for Biafrans. To honor our heroes and heroines. Biafrans are asked to observe this one day sit-at-home in reverence to the spirits of our departed heroes who fought for us to be alive today.
“Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit-at-home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that has taken millions of lives of Biafrans. Other Biafrans outside Biafra territory are also encouraged to honor our heroes by observing the sit-at-home if possible or by limiting their activities on this day.
“To that effect, IPOB directs all schools, government offices, Private offices, Banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down all operations in honor of our heroes and heroines on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
“Exceptions to these directives are institutions and individuals on special duties such as Nurses, Doctors, Ambulance services, Hospitals, and medical workers who are allowed to operate on that day.
“We call on Christians and traditional worshipers to use this day to pray to Chukwu Okike Abiama for the fallen heroes and also pray for Biafra Independence from this murderous contraption called Nigeria.
“Heroes Remembrance Day is a call to duty for Biafrans to remember and honour our fallen heroes who were brutally murdered between 1967 to 1970 during the genocidal war against Ndigbo before and beyond.
“Biafrans living in the Northern and Western part of the zoo called Nigeria will join and stay indoors for this commemoration and remembrance of our heroes and heroines who died so that we may live.”
The Aguleri Community Assembly in Anambra East Local Government Area, has told Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based, self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop threatening HRH, Dr Michael Idigo, the traditional ruler of the town.
The Community sent this message at a press conference jointly held by the Aguleri Town Union leadership and Aguleri Royal cabinet at the Palace of Eze Idigo on Wednesday.
The community said Eze Idigo did not at any time visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained Leader of IPOB, or spoke to him on the protracted sit-at-home issue in the Southeast and so there was no need for any form of threat by Ekpa.
Chief Ifeanyi iloakasia, President-General Aguleri Community Assembly who spoke on behalf of the Community, said they were taken aback by the threat from Ekpa on their traditional ruler.
Iloakasia said it was Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, the traditional ruler of Enugwu Aguleri, one of the villages of the larger Aguleri Community, that made the visit and public announcement.
He said “Chukwuemeka Eri had the right in his capacity as ‘Eze Akajiovo’ and as a concerned stakeholder in the Southeast to visit Nnamdi Kanu and make public statements thereon without being subjected to the unwarranted backlash that we have witnessed.
“Aguleri Community Assembly has noted with displeasure and bewilderment, the various comments made by Simon Ekpa and some other members of the IPOB against Igwe Aguleri over his purported meeting with Nnamdi Kanu at Abuja.
“That Igwe Idigo, Ezeudo Aguleri, did not at any time visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at Abuja whether alone or in company of anybody.
“That Igwe Idigo, Ezeudo Aguleri, is probably being mistaken for Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Akajiovo, who visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and made public statements thereafter,” he said.
When contacted, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri said he visited Kanu and had received a similar threat but was not fazed by it.
He said he had fruitful discussion with detained Kanu who reiterated his message for an end to the sit-at-home order on Mondays in the Southeast.
Many shops and offices were under lock and key across the 27 councils in Imo state yesterday, as it was observed that the majority of the indigenes complied with the sit-at-home order issued by Simon Ekpa-led faction of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), despite calls for the economic empowerment option introduced by the incarcerated leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.
In Owerri, the state capital, many business premises were closed, including banks, markets and other food outlets, ignoring the state government’s directive for businesses to open or risk being sealed.
There were a handful of vehicles on the roads, even as security operatives, on joint operations, were patrolling the city. It was the same story in other parts of the state.
It was observed that the few persons who opened for business only provided skeletal sales and services, hiding and selling to their customers.
Streets in Owerri , such as Wetheral, Douglas, Okigwe, Egbu, Mbaise, Nekede, Bank, including adjourning roads in Aladinma, Ikenegbu Layout, among others, were deserted.
Few days ago, Kanu had, through his special lawyer, Aloy Ejimofor, directed an end to sit-at-home, citing economic losses by South East people. But Ekpa, who is based in Finland, objected to the directive, referring to it as fake.
A trader on Wetheral Road, popularly known as Tagboo, said the only way to end the sit-at-home is for President Bola Tinubu to issue a directive, freeing Kanu from detention.
He said: “They know what to do. Let Tinubu free Kanu. That is the only thing that will make us believe the end to sit-at-home on Mondays. When we see him, he would say it and we would believe him.”
Many Igbo leaders have accused Simon Ekpa of causing confusion with the sit-at-home order.
Combined troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, sister Services, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies have successfully raided hideouts and training camps belonging to the IPOB/ESN in Orsumoghu Forest spanning Anambra and Imo States.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the raid was in continuation of ongoing operations to deter enforcement of the illegal sit-at-home order declared by the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the South East.
He said the raid operation was carried out on Monday when troops were alerted of the violent activities of the irredentist group enforcing the illegal two weeks sit-at-home order in Onitsha, Nnewi and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as at New Market in Enugu state.
He said the troops cleared IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsumoghu, Lilu and Mother Valley camps of the dissidents during the operations.
According to him, troops came in contact with the group’s armed fighters, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), also known as Ogbunigwe, and fired using locally-fabricated mortar tube.
Nwachukwu said the valiant troops overpowered the irredentist group in the firefight, compelling them to abandon their position and fled with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.
“Further cordon and search of the hideouts by the troops, led to the arrest of five fleeing members of the group and recovery of one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera and two detonated IED bombs and a fabricated mortar tube.
“Sadly, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained varying degrees of injuries from the IED detonated by the criminals.
“The Nigerian Army encourages all law-abiding citizens of the South East to continue to support ongoing operations with actionable information and to disregard the unlawful two-week sit-at-home order by going about their normal daily activities and businesses.
“The Nigerian army, in synergy with sister services and security agencies, will undauntedly continue to protect and safeguard lives and property of the good and enterprising people of South East Nigeria, within the ambit of the law and the rules of engagement,” he said.
As tensions rise in Nigeria’s South East region, the two-week sit-at-home order scheduled to commence on Monday, July 31st, has become a subject of controversy.
Last week, compliance with the order led to tragic consequences as protests erupted in Enugu, resulting in the loss of at least two lives.
The situation has been further compounded by a purported handwritten letter from incarcerated Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu, instructing Finland-based separatist agitator Simon Ekpa to end the “infamous and reckless sit-at-home” order imposed on the region.
During plenary on Thursday, the Senate vehemently condemned the sit-at-home civil disobedience actions in the South East that have disrupted and destroyed economic activities and stepped down the call to consider a prayer for the release of Kanu on bail, as a way of curbing the situation in the region.
Addressing a motion titled: “Condemning the Disruptive Nature of ‘Sit-At-Home’ Demonstrations in the South East-Nigeria” sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso Bonaventure (Imo West) and co-sponsored by 14 other senators from the South East, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio said “If Governors in South-East obey Sit-At-Home, it means the real Gov of South-East is Ekpa”.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to collaborate with the Finnish government to extradite Ekpa for prosecution.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the quest for Biafra’s independence has been a long-standing struggle in Nigeria, marked by periods of unrest and tension.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group, has been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for the secession of the southeastern region from Nigeria to form an independent Biafran state. Kanu had played a key role in galvanizing support for the cause both within the country and in the diaspora.
The sit-at-home order started as a civil disobedience movement by pro-Biafra groups, calling on residents to remain at home on Mondays as a form of protest after Kanu was arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) in June 2021.
However, over time, it evolved and gained traction, garnering widespread compliance from the people in the region, impacting business activities and resulting in deadly clashes and face-offs with security operatives.
In response to the two-week sit-at-home call, some transport companies have indicated that they may not release their buses to ply that route.
Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), insists that the sit-at-home order has a five-point agenda – to pressure the Nigerian government for the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu, prepare for Biafra’s self-referendum and assert the determination of Biafrans to take control of their own future.
It also seeks to “invalidate the legitimacy of those who claim to represent Nigeria within the Biafran territory and demonstrate that the BRGIE is in charge and enjoys 99 per cent loyalty from the Biafran people,” Ekpa said.
“The sit-at-home will be executed in a phased manner, starting with a total lockdown in Biafraland from Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4, 2023.
“During this period, all Biafran markets will remain closed. However, the sit-at-home will be temporarily suspended on Saturday, August 5, and Sunday, August 6, allowing for a two-day break where markets will reopen.
“The second phase of the sit-at-home will resume from Monday, August 7, to Friday, August 11, 2023, with another total lockdown in Biafraland. Once again, the sit-at-home will be interrupted for two days, Saturday, August 12, and Sunday, August 13, when all Biafran markets will reopen,” he added.
The Biafra agitators have called on all oil companies operating in the South East region to shut down their oil exploration activities on the designated dates.
However, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, issued a statement on Saturday, confirmed the authenticity of Kanu’s handwritten note to Ekpa calling for an end to the enforcement of the sit-at-home order and disassociating Kanu and IPOB from the “senseless” imposition.
The statement also accuses certain elements within the movement of blackmailing IPOB and Kanu through the violent enforcement of the sit-at-home order.
“When our leader called for complete peace in Biafraland and to protect our people instead of killing them in one of his court appearances, he was referring to the infiltrators to stop their infamous enforcement of sit-at-home orders and enforcement.
“Every Biafran must stop observing any sit-at-home order from the infiltrators. The reckless enforcement and abuse of sit-at-homes is an opportunity for criminals to kidnap, murder, maim, and snatch cars from innocent citizens,” IPOB’s spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Ekpa remains resolute in his commitment to the two-week sit-at-home order, which he says is “non-negotiable”.
“I will not listen to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from DSS, from Hospital or from Nigeria. I will not talk to him on phone, on video call, on television call or internet call. I want to talk with him one on one in Finland.
“I am here to Liberate Biafra and I don’t expect political criminals to be part of the liberation. From this day 29.7.2023, I cut off all communication with anyone in Nigeria side including lawyers to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The only communication will be when Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released from dungeon. We are not stepping back an inch until Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is freed,” Ekpa said.
The two-week sit-at-home order has heightened tensions in the southeast region and calls for dialogue and a peaceful resolution have grown stronger.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has ordered Finland -based agitator and lawyer, Simon Ekpa to end sit-at-home in the southeast.
Kanu whi is currently in detention added that Ekpa should refrain from antagonizing governors of the southeast or politicians from the region.
He warned that anyone enforcing sit-at-home in the southeast is not his disciple and should be made to face the wrath of the law.
Addressing journalists in Enugu, Ejimakor quoted Kanu as saying: “Simon, this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth. Equally, refrain from antagonising governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.
“I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending sit-at-home in place at the moment.
“I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people. I have authorised Aloy to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.
“Anybody still engaging in sit-at-home is not my disciple. Haters of Biafra and mindless murderers in uniform are hiding under the cover of combating enforcers of Sit-at-Home to unleash mayhem against the same people we swore to defend.
“I have sent countless messages to those purportedly enforcing sit-at-home that they are not doing so in my name. I am not begging anybody to release me, just that Nigeria should have the decency to obey their own laws.”
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, AIG Echeng Echeng, has charged Police personnel in Imo to neutralize IPOB/ESN elements enforcing the sit at home directive.
Echeng gave the charge during a farmilarisation tour of the Imo command in Owerri on Thursday.
The AIG said the police would apply a stringent approach to fight insurgency, terrorism and other criminal activities within the zone.
“I will continuously ensure that we take the fight to those who do not want peace.
“There is nothing anybody can do without security.
“The economy of the state will not be affected by a group of miscreants who think they have control,” he stated.
Echeng, who advised the residents to go about their normal businesses, reiterated the readiness of his men to sustain peace and provide adequate security for the people of Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states.
“We will continue to partner with other security agencies in the state to ensure that those planning to enforce the sit-at-home order are surely dealt with.
“Imo people deserve better than what they are getting now.
“They deserve peace, adequate security, economic growth and stability; and this we assure them,” Echeng noted.
Earlier, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Barde, said the command had continued to battle IPOB/ESN with a view to bringing their activities to an end.
“So far, we have been winning the battle.
“The strategies adopted by the command has helped drastically to cut down violent crimes in the state to the barest minimum
“I am delighted to inform you that the general security in the state has improved.
“The command is working assiduously and determined to improve on the records already achieved so that the people of the state can enjoy relative peace,” Barde stated.
Tragedy struck in Enugu state as two residents were reportedly shot dead during a protest by traders over the sealing of their shops by the Enugu State government.
The government’s action was taken in response to the stores’ alleged compliance with the illegal Monday sit-at-home order imposed by a factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa.
About a week ago, Governor Peter Mbah, conducted a tour across various parts of the state capital to monitor compliance with the ban on the illegal sit-at-home.
During the tour, Governor Mbah visited several locations, including Spar Mall, Roban Stores at Bisalla Road, Market Square, ShopRite, Zenith Bank at Ogui Road, Celebrities, Ogbete Market, Garki Awkunanaw Market, Mayor Market, Abakpa Market, Spring of Life International Schools, and the State Secretariat, among others.
He observed some businesses were closed in compliance with the “illegal” sit-at-home order imposed by Ekpa and ordered that a total of 106 shops and two banks in the state be sealed.
The state government announced that all sealed businesses would remain closed for one week, after which it would consider whether to reopen them under certain conditions or sell them off.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, the government clarified that the sealing action was not intended to punish businesses but rather to encourage compliance with the ‘no sit-at-home’ directive.
However, the enforcement of the sealing of businesses has sparked mixed reactions and led to deadly protests on Wednesday which reportedly claimed two lives.
Criticising the approach of the state government, a multiple business owner in Enugu, Gaius Chibueze, said: “Addressing sit at home and insecurity by sealing businesses not opening today is not a smart way to do it.
“The people have fears for the security of their lives and businesses. Address those fears and gradually allow them to get the confidence to open; based on the security they see you provide for those opening more will open”.
On the other hand, Ekpa who gave the sit-at-home order, has called on “volunteers” in Enugu to stand ready to retaliate if any protester is harmed during demonstrations.
According to the state government, businesses sealed on Monday would have an opportunity to apply for reopening after they provide current tax clearance certificates and relevant revenue documents for review and consideration.
The situation in Enugu remains tense as of the time of reporting, and the authorities have been urged to find a balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights and safety of the people.
Residents of Enugu State and civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday staged a protest against the weekly “Sit-At-Home“ order by the Simon Ekpa faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The protesters, who converged at the popular Michael Okpara Square as early as 8:am, moved through the Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Ogbete Main Market, Okpara Avenue, Garden Avenue, New haven, Bisala Road and back to Okpara Square.
They carried banners and placards with inscriptions such as ”Enough Is Enough”, “Say No To Sit-At-Home In Enugu”, “Allow The Poor To Breathe”,‘Our Mumu Don Do”, “Enugu People Must Be Freed From The Shackles Of Those Who Want To Hold Them Down”, among others.
Mrs Onyinye Mammah, the Executive Director, Heroine Women Foundation, who spoke on behalf of the coordinators, said they decided to take the bold initiative following the devastating effects the every Monday “Sit-At-Home“ order were having on state’s economy and that of the entire South-East.
She said the protesters were made up of residents, CSOs, media, members of women organisations and representative of the 17 council areas in the state.
“How can you continue to do something that has not benefitted you since it was started? We pay school fees and our children don’t go to school and businesses are shut on Mondays.
“A few people have decided to create anarchy, take laws into their hands and make life uncomfortable for others.
“We cannot continue this way and that is why we think there is need to support Gov. Peter Mbah in his effort to end the Mondays Sit-At-Home order”, she said.
A protester, Mr Arthur Edeh, described the Sit-At-Home order as cancer to Enugu people, its economy and development, pointing out that anybody telling Enugu residents to Sit-At-Home was an enemy to the state.
According to him, whoever that live abroad and is telling people of the South-East to “Sit-At-Home“ on Mondays do not have their interest at heart.
“People should feel free to go about their businesses… The security network in Enugu is massive and nobody should threaten you with illegal “Sit-At-Home order“ he advised.
A representative of Nsukka Council Area, Mr Emeka Nwangwu, said they participated in the protest because they were tired of the “Sit-At-Home“ order.
“I came from Nsukka to support our governor to end this menace and I am here also to inform our people that Nsukka is free from Mondays “Sit-At-Home“ directive.
“Opi, Nsukka, Ugwuogo Nike Road are free for movement and people are free to travel anytime without threat and attack.
“I advise our people to come out en masse to support our governor as we are losing a lot from sitting at home,“ he said.