Again, residents desert streets in Enugu, Imo, Anambra

RESIDENTS of Enugu, Imo and Anambra states observed another sit-at-home order by staying at their homes, away from their business and daily activities. 

The usual heavy traffic jam and commercial activities usually seen and noticed in Owerri, Imo State and other urban centres in the state disappeared with only few vehicles seen on the roads. 

Markets, banks, business centres, streets and roadside trading, artisans, filling stations, schools, health centres, mobile food vendors, as well as the hospitality industries are either packed up or recorded low patronage. 

A resident in the state who deals in electronics, speaking on condition of anonymity, said people would continue to remain indoors on Mondays until the leader of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is released from detention. 

Nigerian Tribune who monitored the situation reported that motor parks in Owerri, the state capital, were empty of commercial vehicles for Port Harcourt, Enugu, Onitsha, Aba and Umuahia bound passengers, just as only few vehicles rendered minor intra-city services. 

Similarly, major streets were bereft of vehicular movements and shops remain shut in Enugu. At Afor Awkunanaw Market, Enugu near the 103 Battallion Barracks, everywhere was deserted, including the vegetable and tomato sections known for early dawn operations. 

Reports indicated that there were no activities at Ogbete Main Market, Kenyatta Market and Abakpa Markets on Monday. Schools were also not opened, though most of them have concluded terminal examinations and would be formally closing on Fri- day. Banks were also cautiously on the alert just as the filling stations had their gates closed, with staff standing by. 

Security operatives seemed to be sitting equally at home as no patrol vehicles or itinerant personnel were sighted on Monday. 

At about 12.00 noon, markets in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka in Anambra State were still empty. Nigerian Tribune observed that roads and streets were deserted, while banks and shops were under locks and keys across Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha. Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Usman Baba, has charged the Delta State command to brace up against the challenges posed by the proscribed IPOB in the state. 

Addressing men and officers of the state police command in Asaba, as part of his working visit to the state on Monday, Baba said there was the need to get prepared and deal with any crime or criminality. 

Reacting to some of the challenges facing the command, including IPOB activities and herdsmen attacks, which were raised by the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ari Bali, the IGP noted that the proximity of Anambra to Asaba makes it susceptible to aggressions from the eastern part of the country. 

He commended the command for its efforts in fighting criminality.

 

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