Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri
Banks, shops, transportation companies on Monday shut their businesses in Imo state, following the order of sit-at-home by the Simon Ekpa-led Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
This is in spite of the hand-written letter from the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to factional leader, Simon Ekpa, from the DSS custody ending the order.
Residents disobeyed the earlier order by the State Government which threatened to shut shops of owners who obeyed the sit-at-home in the state.
The situation led to the crippling of economic activities in the state particularly Owerri the state capital.
Affected areas, include the streets of Ikenegbu, Mbari, Egbu, Orji. Also, the Owerri-Port Hacourt Road, Owerri-Onitsha Road, Owerri-Aba Road among others.
Some of the residents who spoke to Ikengaonline “attributed the cause of obedience to the sit-at-home to fear of attack by hoodlums who usually attack residents who disobeyed the order.”
“They will come, shoot and escape freely. We are afraid,” some said.
“Just like the one that happened at Akwakuma area located at Orlu Road. Two people were reportedly killed. We all saw it. The hoodlums finished operation and they went back to their base.
“We need full assurance of the security of lives and properties. We want to be in a safe environment. It is not enough for Government to tell us to come out. What are the measures put in place to protect the people anytime there is an attack?”
