Economic and other activities in Umuahia, the Abia State capital have again been paralysed as residents partially comply with the sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
This is coming on a day that Nigeria is marking its 61st independence anniversary.
Reports from across the state indicate that the traditional fanfare on the October 1st Independence Day events is absent as people are staying indoors.
Sources said that today’s sit-at-home order by the IPOB is to disassociate themselves from Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.
Unconfirmed reports said that the IPOB leadership also directed its members to pull down all Nigerian flags in their areas but there are no indications that such actions have been taken.
In Umuahia, some residents told reporters off-camera that they are apprehensive of their security hence the decision to stay away from the streets.
Only a few vehicles were seen plying the roads in the state capital, while many shops remained closed despite the fact that no one is mouldering anybody.
Though there are no noticeable security patrols in the capital city, there has not been any reported incident of members of the IPOB pulling down Nigerian flags as they had earlier threatened.
Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state is calm but looks highly tensed. The city appears the worst hit by the IPOB sit-at-home order as only a handful of residents were seen venturing out of their homes.
Vehicular movement is very minimal as people fear being attacked by armed persons now commonly referred to as “unknown gunmen”.
However, as part of activities for a low key celebration of the 61st Independence Day, the Abia State government has organised a fasting and prayer session at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.