RESIDENTS of Enugu and its environs on Thursday defied the sit-at-home call ordered by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as many of them went out of their houses to pursue their normal businesses.
It was observed that Catholic faithful were in churches at 5 am and 8 am, respectively, to celebrate the ascension of Jesus Christ while others were seen in their offices and markets unmolested.
Further checks also showed that public and private schools in the state had their normal academic activities even gates to school premises were under tight security.
Some of the major markets visited which included Ogbete and Kenyatta markets, Enugu, traders were seen carrying out their normal business activities.
However, some people were seen talking in low tones on the reason many people did not obey the sit-at-home order, blaming the method of Biafra’s agitators.
“How can IPOB succeed when their Leader, Nnamdi Kanu agreed to come out of prison without all those who were in prison custody with him? I share the claims of IPOB that Ndigbo is marginalised and seriously oppressed in this country but we need to follow it constitutional means. Let them sponsor people to states and national assembly during elections to agitate for the independent state of Biafra. For us to succeed in this struggle, there must be a restructuring of the country,” a respondent who preferred to be anonymous said.
The Police authority in Enugu had through its Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu, warned against any person or group of persons wanting to disrupt peace in the State.
Amarizu advised parents/guardians not to allow their children/wards to be involved in anything inimical to peace and stability in the state, stressing that any person found wanting would be arrested and prosecuted.