Tension in Onitsha, Nnewi, as banks, shops shut down services over Kanu

Following the resumed trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court Abuja, today (July 26th, 2021), banks, major shops and industries in Nnewi and Onitsha, have shut down services for the fear of the unknown, as youths suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) have allegedly blocked the entrance and exit into or out of the commercial city of Onitsha including the bridge head and the industrial town of Nnewi for residents and visitors to stay at home in solidarity with the IPOB leader, who is being arraigned in Abuja now.

A source in Onitsha, who pleaded anonymity said the suspected members of IPOB made bonfires in most streets in Onitsha, while also forcing vehicles entering the city to return to where they were coming from.

Tribune Online gathered that Kanu is expected to be in court today (Monday) morning for commencement of trial in his case after he left the country in 2017. Kanu had been arrested in Kenya in June through the aid of Interpol and extradited to Nigeria to face trial.

Video circulating on social media showed that shops, markets and offices were locked in Onitsha, while streets were deserted.

In Nnewi, Tribune Online also gathered that youths suspected to be IPOB members were smashing cars belonging to motorists who attempted to enter the city for business transition.

A source who trades in Onitsha popular Main Market, Mr Chamberlain Okey, said, “We heard it yesterday Sunday, as a rumour that there will not be a market today, but this morning we found out that people were making bonfires everywhere in the city.

“Nobody has spoken to us about what is happening, but we learnt that it is IPOB that is trying to force people to stay at home in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu who is appearing in court today.”

In Awka, the state capital, our correspondent who moved round found that there was free movement of people, vehicles and other commercial activities.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga was not available for reaction as at the time of filing this report.

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Tension in Onitsha, Nnewi, as banks, shops shut down services over Kanu

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