Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The ban on Mondays sit-at-home by Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State appeared to have worsened the situation in Enugu State as Enugu metropolis and its environs were deserted on Monday morning.
Reports from different areas of the City showed that from the main market axis to Garki Awkunanaw and to Abakpa Nike area, and to the popular Holy Ghost market, the roads were dry and no single shop was opened for business.
Our correspondent reports that even the filling station belonging to the governor (Pinnacle Oil and Gas) situated at Agbani road was locked with key while policemen were firmly on guard.
Reports from Nsukka in Enugu North Senatorial district also showed that the University town was deserted with no vehicular movement.
However, Ikengaonline investigation showed that gradual movements of persons have started in some streets in the outskirts of the city, especially, some parts of Awkunanaw, Abakpa, Amechi and Achara Layout.
Meanwhile, security in and around the city is very tight as both the Army and Police are stationed at many flash points. Air force fighter jets are also flying low across the city as a back up to ground forces.
Some residents who spoke to Ikengaonline feared that the threat for a reprisal by self exiled Simon Ekpa and IPOB may have prompted the people to stay safe.
A bus driver, Ignatius Nwachukwu, said he feared that there was going to be fighting between IPOB and security personnel.
“I don’t want to be cut in a cross fire,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Umeh, a businessman, said he had to stay at home and observe the situation.
“Let me first observe the situation and watch what will happen,” he said.
