A supporter with flag of IPOB showing Biafran rising sun
By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
Following the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) to honour Biafra heroes and heroines who died in the Nigerian Biafra Civil war and in the course of Biafra agitations on Thursday, Onitsha and Nnewi in Anambra State witnessed total compliance as business activities shut down.
All the markets, financial institutions, transport companies, schools and government institutions from Onitsha to Oba, Nnewi, Obosi, Nkpir, Ogidi, Ihiala and other surrounding towns and villages were shut down to observe the day.
There was peaceful atmosphere in Onitsha as security agencies including the Army, Navy, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, were all sited at different junctions and checkpoints where they normally stay to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.
All the markets and popular roads where people experience heavy traffic were deserted as youths turned them into football playing fields.
Awka road Onitsha, Atani, Obodoukwu, Oguta, New Market, Old Market roads and other adjoining roads and streets were all deserted as people gather in clusters discussing.
The popular Onitsha Main Market, Marine market, Ose Okwodu market and other streets and markets in the area and shops including the popular Sir Emeka Ofor and other plazas known for selling and repairing telephones and its accessories were all closed for business.
In Fegge area of Onitsha, roads were deserted while shops under buildings were all under lock and key, the popular Bridgehead Head Market that had over 25 markets under it were all closed.
The popular Ochanja Central market and all the markets also in Fegge area were also closed for business as youths engaged in all kinds of games.
In Nnewi, hometown of Biafran warlord, late Emeka Ojukwu, compliance was total unlike in the past years as all businesses were closed.
However, the situation turned bloody at defunct Nigerian Telecommunication Company, (NITEL) junction in Nnewi, following a feud between some officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) and some youths.
According to a eyewitness, two officials of the NDLEA and three of the youths, sustained serious and life threatening injuries while the NDLEA vehicle was said to have been smashed by the youths.
It is not yet clear what lead to the clash as both the Area Command and Divisional Police Station, Nnewi are yet to respond to calls made to them for clarification.
However, basking in the euphoria of the success of its directive, IPOB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, said “there is no lingering doubt that IPOB is in complete charge of the entire Biafraland.”
