Residents of Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Monday, 16th August 202, deserted the streets of Owerri and other major roads in the city.
This is despite the suspension of the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) in the entire South East region.
Owerri and other urban centres in Imo State were bereft of daily commercial activities as all major markets, banks, schools, filling stations, business centres, artisans shops, and civil service offices still remained closed.
This is despite a statement by the state government through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, who urged the people to ignore the order and to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestations.
Tribune Online correspondent who monitored the situation in Owerri and its environs reports that except a few vehicles that were on the road, people who wanted to move from the rural areas to their various destinations were stranded as commercial bus drivers withdrew their services just as few Okada riders were spotted in some areas taking passengers.
The roads deserted by vehicles included Orlu Road, Onitsha Road, Port Harcourt Road, Okigwe Road, Mbaise and Aba Roads with shops and motor parks also closed.
However, some roadside/street traders, mostly women, operated in some areas amidst tension and anxiety over possible attacks by criminal elements.
As of the time of filing this report, over 80per cent of the streets in Owerri were empty as boys were seen playing football on them.
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