Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Residents of Enugu metropolis on Thursday displayed mixed feelings over the planned nationwide protest.
While some of the residents stayed indoors over fear of the unknown, some others carried out their daily activities with trepidation.
Ikengaonline reports that businesses in the area are operating normally with vehicles plying the roads and people going about in the streets.
However, there are security presence at some points perhaps to check some unruly behaviors and to maintain law and other.
Some residents said that, though there is hardship in the country, they did not know if the organisers were genuine.
A driver, Mr Andrew Okeke, said he would have joined the protest if he knew the organisers and their real mission.
“I will join protest if our national union directs us because things are rising high in the country but I don’t know who are the organisers,” he said.
Mrs Amaku Eze, a petty trader said she was not ready to join any protest.
“I am tired of this country but we will continue to pray that God will change things,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Ikechukwu Agbo, said he did not know where the protest was taken place.
“I do not know where they are protesting in Enugu if not I would have joined,” he said.
Meanwhile, shops, banks, markets, and public and private offices were closed, bringing economic activities to a halt in some areas.
The usually bustling Ogbete Holy Ghost axis, streets and major roads were empty with few people seen at bus stops.
It was also observed that the city was deserted, with many residents opting to stay at home rather than risk venturing out.
However, a notable exception was seen at Mayor Market, Agbani Road, Enugu, as few traders were spotted around 9:30 am in the market.
At Ogbete, Kenyatta, Gariki and New Market, Emene, the markets were open but traders did not come out.
Students of tertiary institutions within the state came out in trickles.
Our correspondent gathered that the reason for not coming out much by residents was fear of being caught by protesters.
Also, there was free vehicular movement from Awka to Enugu as at 11am today, Thursday.
While the roads were free, many business owners locked their shops, the banks were not open and popular retail shop, ShopRite, was totally deserted.
The motor park was not functional at the Newmarket axis with only few tricycle operators there loading. Children occupied some of the streets playing football while a helicopter hovered around the city especially New Haven area.
