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Tag: sit-at-home

  • Enugu residents protest against IPOB’s Sit-At-Home order

    Enugu residents protest against IPOB’s Sit-At-Home order

    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.

  • Sit-at-home: Enugu governor, Barr. Mbah tours market, shopping malls

    Sit-at-home: Enugu governor, Barr. Mbah tours market, shopping malls

     

    Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah, toured various parts of the state capital to monitor compliance with the ban on the illegal sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The turnout of traders, sellers and buyers alike were very impressive, says Barr Mbah.

    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, and the State Secretariat, were parts of the areas the governor toured.

    He warned traders fonmd of sitting at home on traders to stop the act or risk losing their shops to serious-minded businessmen.

    He said adequate security had been provided, observing that there had not been any incident of attack since the ban on sit-at-home in June.

    Mbah, who took time to interact with business owners, shoppers, traders as well as civil servants at the State Secretariat, said “it should never be heard that we were cowed because of the threat of violence by these criminals”, noting that “the poverty that will befall us for sitting at home will kill us even faster”.

    “We are losing over N10bn every Monday that we sit at home. Enough is enough. This foolishness must end and it must end now. We cannot be marginalising ourselves and still complain of marginalisation.

    “So, we must say no to sit-at-home because what it means is that we are destroying our employment, our economy, and our GDP. We must erase it from our memories. We should see it as our shameful past, which we do not want to remember. We must put it behind us and forge ahead, ensuring that we work every working day of the week”, he urged Enugu people.

    To the traders at Ogbete, Garki, and other markets, he warned that locking shops on Mondays would no longer be condoned.

    “But you know, there are also consequences for not heeding our orders. Going forward, I want to put you on notice. I will go around the state again on Monday next week. We are going to come with the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority to put a seal on any shop that is found locked on Monday because of the illegal sit-at-home. We will take it that you are not ready to do business.

    “We are going to revoke your license to operate. We will revoke your shop title and reallocate it to someone else, who is ready to do business. This is something we must enforce with effect from Monday next week”, he warned.

    Meanwhile, the market leaders and business owners have assured the governor that they were now ready for full compliance, saying they were already sick and tired of the Monday-sit-at home.

    At the meeting with the Ogbete traders, President of Enugu State Amalgamated Traders Association, Comrade Stephen Aniagu, assured the governor that they had already agreed to commence full business, saying all shops would be open from next Monday.

    Also, the leader of Abakpa Nike Market, Bernard Anike, also assured the governor that they had since started complying with the ban of sit-at-home

    Meanwhile, a development economist, Richard Emeka Ezeh commended Mbah’s determined efforts to bring sit-at-home to an end.

    “I’m surprised to see the governor here. I like it that he is going round to sensitise the people on why they should come out.

    “Employers of labour were losing so much money to sit-at-home. The economy cannot grow when we are losing N10 billion every Monday. As a development economist, I know that the private sector drives every economy, but the private sector cannot thrive in a place where people sit at home.

    “So, let’s continue to convene town hall meetings, engage the youths, engage the artisans, and continue to sensitise the market women,” he said.

    On her part, Chioma Nwagu, said the sit-at-home was killing the economy.

    “We have to come out to do our business. We can’t feed ourselves while staying at home. We have to come out and do our businesses,” she stated.

  • Sit-at-home: Gunmen attack traders, raze vehicles in Imo

    Sit-at-home: Gunmen attack traders, raze vehicles in Imo

    Gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order on Friday night, attacked Amaraku market located at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

    Although no life was lost in the attack, it was gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), set a tricycle and vehicles ablaze.

    Also, the attackers destroyed some goods and properties of petty traders, who are mostly women.

    An eyewitness said that the gunmen also attacked Obolo community in the same Local Government Area.

    “The gunmen were angry with the traders and transporters for flouting the order.

    “The attackers warned traders to close shop and never to flout the order, warning them not come out on Saturday.

    “They went on to raze part of the market and burnt vehicles.” the source said.

    The source said the gunmen shot indiscriminately into the air which made the traders scamper for safety.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Imo Police Command proved abortive as the Police spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, neither picked his calls nor replied to text messages sent to him.

    NAN

  • Police recover 4 lifeless bodies of suspected fleeing sit-at-home enforcers

    Police recover 4 lifeless bodies of suspected fleeing sit-at-home enforcers

    The Police Command in Enugu State, says it has recovered four lifeless bodies of suspected fleeing sit-at-home enforcers who were overpowered and hit by bullets.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that a combined team of tactical police operatives discovered and recovered the lifeless bodies of four of the male hoodlums, in a forest behind G. Ede Filling Station/7-Up, at Awkunanaw, Enugu, where they escaped into.

    He said the development was sequel to the earlier report of operatives dislodging armed subversive criminal elements, who attempted to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order, in the early hours of July 7.

    He said: “Recall that the Operatives intercepted the criminals at One-Day, Awkunanaw, Enugu, as they were snatching an ENTRACO branded Sharon minivan from its driver at gunpoint.

    “They engaged the operatives in a gun duel, but escaped with varying degrees of fatal gunshot wounds, due to the superior firepower of the police operatives.

    “Hence, a manhunt operation was launched, while a thorough search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with magazine loaded with 19 live ammunition of 7.62 calibres, two bottles of petrol bomb and other incriminating exhibits.”

    Ndukwe said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Ammani, had reassured that police and other security agencies would not relent in their efforts to maintain maximum security for the law-abiding citizens, as they go about their lawful businesses.

    “The commissioner, however, solicits residents’ continued support,” he added.

  • Police nab 15 suspects over `sit-at-home’ shooting in Ebonyi

    Police nab 15 suspects over `sit-at-home’ shooting in Ebonyi

    The Police in Ebonyi on Friday, announced the arrest of 15 persons suspected to be involved in the shooting by  IPOB members on Tuesday at new market and Ishieke axis of the state.

    The shooting was carried out as the suspects forced people to abide by the order issued by the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stopping all residents from coming out of their homes for seven days, from July 3 to 10.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Faleye Olayele told reporters in Abakaliki that among the 15 suspects arrested from their hideouts, were two herbalists, Okwudili Otozi and Nnenna Ali.

    “They have attacked our area commander and burnt our vehicle. They have been terrorizing the state. On July 4, they came to Ishieke firing sporadically and that was on Tuesday.

    “I want to tell you that 15 of them have been apprehended, together with their herbalists. We recovered arms and charms of different kinds.

    Olayele said that the suspects were preparing for another attack on Friday when they were arrested by the police.

    “This shows that our officers are dedicated to their duties; the arrest was made possible by our men through the information we got,” he said, and warned all criminal elements to steer clear of Ebonyi.

    However, one of the herbalists told newsmen that he was forced to join the gang.

    “I did not know that they wanted to operate in Ebonyi; they came to me and requested for medicine and I gave it to them, after which they forced me to join them to the bush for further preparations.

    “Please, I was forced to follow them after I gave them the medicine,” Otozi claimed.

  • Sit-at-home: Ban on order still stands – Enugu Govt. insists

    Sit-at-home: Ban on order still stands – Enugu Govt. insists

    The Enugu State Government has said that its earlier ban on Monday’s sit-at-home order still stands, calling on Enugu residents to disregard social media falsehood and images.

    Worried by the development and panic that erupted in the state on Wednesday, the state government in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the ban would be enforced.

    According to him, the Enugu State Government has monitored and assessed reports of alleged incidents of shooting in parts of the state today, and found them to be mere scaremongering by the enemies of peace and progress.

    He said these enemies wanted to test their resolve to end the illegal sit-at-home order by intentionally spreading panic and fear among the good people and residents of Enugu state.

    “The peddlers and instigators of the fake news and pandemonium are already being tracked down by government and the security agencies with a view to bringing them to book.

    “The Enugu State Government, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard the falsehoods and fake images being spread on social media and go about their businesses.

    “Security measures are fully in place to enforce law and order as well as safeguard lives and property.

    “We must not succumb to the evil machinations of those, who have no stake in our state; those who mostly live, work, and educate their children overseas, while destroying the economy of our people, the education and future of our children at home,” he said.

    He added that the state government reiterated that the ban on the illegal action would be enforced to the full extent of the law.

    “All offices, markets, business premises, schools, among others, remain open and fully functional and those who want to test the collective resolve and strength of Ndi Enugu will not only be defeated, but will be meted the full wrath of the law,” Onyia said.

    The six days sit-at-home order by factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State few days upon assumption of office announced end to Monday’s sit-at-home in the state effective from June 5.

    He had said that such orders restricted creativity, entrepreneurship, and productivity in the state as well as threatened to ban any school, markets, financial institutions among others that obeyed the order.

    Determined to press for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of proscribed IPOB by the Federal Government, the factional leader of IPOB, Simon Ekpa announced one week total lockdown in the entire southeast from July 3 to July 10.

  • Sit-at-home: Imo govt. debunks attack by suspected IPOB gunmen

    Sit-at-home: Imo govt. debunks attack by suspected IPOB gunmen

    The Imo Government has debunked reports that unknown gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home directive on Wednesday morning, attacked the state Secretariat on Port-Harcourt road, Owerri.

    In a statement signed by Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Oguwike Nwachukwu, it noted that there was no such incident involving unknown gunmen.

    Social media had peddled reports that gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had invaded the secretariat,  shooting sporadically and causing workers to scamper for safety.

    “What happened was that the Police trailed a suspect in a case to the secretariat to effect his arrest in an alleged criminal matter.

    “It was in an attempt to effect the person’s arrest that the police fired warning shots,” he said.

    The state government urged members of the public to ignore any information linking the incident to unknown gunmen as there was nothing like that.

    “Government also reassures Imo residents of her willingness to do everything constitutionally possible to protect their lives and property, both at their homes and offices,” he added.

    Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, proved abortive.

    Okoye neither picked his calls nor replied to a text message sent to him for his reaction.

  • Panic as unknown gunmen enforce sit-at-home in Enugu

    Panic as unknown gunmen enforce sit-at-home in Enugu

    Confusion in Enugu state as residents were thrown into tension and fear on Wednesday over enforcement of sit-at-home.

    It was learnt that unknown gunmen moved round many parts of the State to enforce the one week sit-at-home declared by the Simon Ekpa led faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

    According to eye witness, the gunmen shot sporadically at the New Market axis of the State, Artisan, Emene, New Haven, Abakpa, Agbani Road and NOWAS.

    The gunmen, who had their faces covered with masks, were reported to have operated in a Siena vehicle, as well as tricycles.

    Many parents, whose children were already in school, were seen in panic mode.

    A combined team of the Army and the Police are said to be on chase of the gunmen.

    A helicopter was also seen hovering around major parts of the State.

     

  • Sit-at-home: Ebonyi boils as hoodlums burn police van

    Sit-at-home: Ebonyi boils as hoodlums burn police van

    Ebonyi communities have continued to boil as hoodlums set ablaze a police van at Ukwagba village and shot sporadically to scare citizens in a bid to enforce the seven- days sit-at-home order declared by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Simon Ekpa.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums who are hellbent on enforcing the sit-at-home in Ebonyi State, allegedly stormed the Ukwagba police checkpoint and told officers to vacate, that they are not looking for them. They, however, set ablaze their police van.

    The hoodlums also stormed at Ishieke police checkpoint and shot sporadically, which according to reports, caused police officers in the area to run for their lives.

    According to report the hoodlums also stormed at Ahiaohu market located along Abakaliki/Enugu Express road and allegedly shot into the air to scare people. Business owners in the market were reported to have fled, leaving their goods behind.

    Confirming the incident, the chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Prince Odono Okechukwu called on stakeholders of the council to show cooperation to enable him surmount all insecurity in the area.

    Odono who spoke to newsmen shortly after a security meeting at 135 Ezzamgbo, the Council Headquarters, condemned in totality the burning of the Police Van by hoodlums at Ukwagba village.

    He vowed to explore every available means to apprehend the perpetrators and appealed to Traditional Rulers, Town Union Presidents and community vigilantes to establish a functional rapport to promote peace in their areas.

    Responding, the Commissioner of Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi, Mr Jude Chikadibia Okpor expressed dismay over the apprehension in some parts of the state following reported activities of hoodlums and unscrupulous elements.

    He said, “The government, therefore wishes to advise the general public to go about their lawful businesses as security agents are on top of the situation.”

    When contacted for a reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebonyi State Command, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya said the command had stationed officers in many strategic places in the state to forestall any breakdown of laws and order.

  • Enugu Govt. threatens to shut down schools, markets observing one week sit-at-home order

    Enugu Govt. threatens to shut down schools, markets observing one week sit-at-home order

    Enugu State Government has threatened to shut down schools, markets observing one week illegal sit-at-home order by the self-acclaimed factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa.

    This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia on Tuesday in Enugu.

    Ekpa had on June 14 in a letter to all Igbos, declared total lockdown from July 3 to 10 excluding July 6.

    According to Onyia, Enugu State Government is alarmed and dismayed by this development and hereby warns that any school that fails to open and function normally on Tuesday will have its licence revoked immediately.

    He added that the State Government also extended the same warning to market unions and shop owners in the state.

    He said, “The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to reports on social media this Tuesday morning that proprietors of private schools in the state are sending messages to their pupils and students to stay at home.

    “This is on account of the illegal one week sit-at-home order allegedly declared by faceless non-state actors in the state.

    “All markets and shops in the various markets must be open to customers from today or be shut down indefinitely.”

    Onyia said the state government reiterated its ban on any form of illegal sit-at-home in all parts of the state, as it was evil and antithetical to all values they hold dear as a people, such as the Igbo spirit of industry, hardwork, creativity and productivity.

    He urged the general public to go about their normal daily activities as adequate security measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.

    “Government will no longer sit by and watch faceless groups and misguided individuals issue illegal orders, dictating to us how to lead our lives, when to go to work or market and when our children go to school.

    “This is no longer acceptable and must be confronted and defeated with every power and resources at our disposal,” Onyia said.

    He further stated that the state government also warned that it would deploy the full instrumentality of the law such as the Cybercrime Act 2015 to go after and prosecute anybody, individuals, groups, and organisations intentionally encouraging the illegal sit-at-home order.

    This, he said, include those instilling fear on residents, raising false alarm to disturb public peace and others through fake news sharing and propagation of falsehood connected with the illegal sit-at-home order on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

    “This, however, is by no means, depriving citizens freedom of speech and information as enshrined in the constitution,” Onyia explained.