Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State, including the commercial hub of Aba and the capital city, Umuahia, was completely shut down on Monday as residents fully complied with the #FreeNnamdiKanu solidarity march championed by rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
Economic and commercial activities were totally paralyzed as shops, markets, banks, petrol stations, and motor parks remained closed. The usually busy roads were deserted, with only a few tricycles and private vehicles seen moving around.
Similarly, both public and private schools across the state did not open for academic activities. Some schools had, over the weekend, notified parents not to bring their children and wards to school on Monday due to the planned protest.
Although no major procession had commenced as of the time of filing this report, the mood in Umuahia indicated widespread support for the agitation demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
A convoy of joint security patrol vehicles was sighted along Uwakala Road, apparently monitoring the situation.
Traders at the popular Isigate market in Umuahia also stayed away, leaving their stalls covered and the area deserted. Major streets, including Post Office/Abia Tower Junction and FMC/Bank Road Junction, bore the look of a ghost town.
The atmosphere, however, remained calm and peaceful as of press time.
Details later…
