Ahead of the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra to mark Biafra Heroes Day today (Friday, May 30), residents of Anambra State besieged various markets, shopping malls, petrol stations, and banks late on Thursday to make last-minute purchases in anticipation of Friday’s restriction of movement order.
The pro-Biafran organization announced a complete lockdown and restrictions on movement throughout the South-East region on May 30, lasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This was done as a tribute and remembrance for the "Biafran martyrs" who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War spanning from 1967 to 1970.
According to a press release from IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the organization declared: "Except for essential and urgent service providers like ambulance drivers, law enforcement officers, nurses, physicians, and firefighters who are allowed to continue their duties, all other activities on the roads within the South-East region will be prohibited between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m."
“All transportation by road, air, and sea is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 30, 2025, which includes no human movement within our territory. There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind.”
It was disclosed that IPOB informed the West African Examinations Council about the directive and asked them to reschedule the exams for students in their area.
Following the directive, Thursday saw bustling activity throughout major urban centers in Anambra such as Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, and Ekwulobia. Shoppers flooded into markets, banks, and various retail locations to purchase vital supplies before adhering to the stay-at-home mandate.
Our correspondent, who visited several major markets across the state, observed that shoppers from various parts of Anambra were making hurried purchases to avoid being stranded during the lockdown.
In addition to the bustling markets, the banking halls and ATMs also saw significant traffic as clients rushed to make their final cash withdrawals.
At the Eke-Awka Market in Awka, for example, activity increased dramatically with shoppers purchasing an array of goods.
One of them, Chinwe Uzor, said, “There is an increase of activities at the market today and the reason is due to tomorrow’s lockdown by IPOB. I came to shop for groceries and some foodstuffs as no one knows how tomorrow will be.
We were informed that both markets and banks will remain closed for the day ahead. Normally, this place would see larger crowds due to trading activities; however, owing to a scarcity of currency notes, we notice significantly fewer individuals than what was typical in earlier times.
Likewise, at the Ochanja Market in Onitsha, numerous buyers and vendors were observed engaging in substantial trade involving foodstuffs, grocery products, and various household goods.
A yam dealer named Chidi Nwabueze commented, "Even though the leaders of the market informed us that the governor instructed that markets should open tomorrow (Friday), allowing anyone who wishes to visit the market to do so with assurances of sufficient security, ensuring safety is one matter, but actually being protected is quite different."
My brother, today was quite busy commercially due to the impending lockdown tomorrow. Despite the lack of funds circulating in town, we saw more people shopping at the market than usual.
We are delighted that all areas remain tranquil and peaceful, which contrasts with previous instances when sit-at-home declarations were made. We look forward to an even calmer procedure taking place tomorrow.
A fellow resident and public official, Mercy Obinwa, expressed concern over the steep prices of groceries and worried that starvation could lead individuals to disregard the quarantine measures.
I utilized my limited funds to buy supplies before tomorrow since we found out that both markets and banks won’t be open. When I entered the marketplace, I noticed folks were purchasing goods as though it was Christmas Eve.
The IPOB organization has announced a lockdown for tomorrow to pay tribute to Biafra's fallen heroes, which is observed annually. While it is important to honor our heroes, let us hope that all areas remain tranquil and free from any unrest.
In the meantime, the Anambra State Police Command has advised citizens to disregard the "unlawful" stay-at-home directive and continue with their normal activities, pledging to ensure the safety of both individuals and properties.
The police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, mentioned that additional officers have been assigned to enhance security patrols near vital national infrastructures and key sites throughout the state. This measure aims to prevent potential disruptions to peace and order prior to the May 30 stay-at-home event called for by IPOB.
On Thursday, Ikenga issued a press release stating that joint security efforts involving the Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corp, along with units from the Army and Navy, are supporting the police deployments.
He stated, "After a confidential gathering of the Anambra Security Service Commanders prior to an unauthorized strike scheduled for May 30, 2025, initiated by certain unlawful groups, the Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu, highlighted how the collaboration and backing provided by the people of Anambra have boosted the morale of law enforcement and various security organizations. This unity was demonstrated through their collective denunciation of actions that jeopardize our country’s stability."
This collaborative initiative has bolstered the determination of the security forces to address threats against peace and safety within the state, promoting a more secure setting via partnership between the community and police.
Considering this information, the Joint Security Force led by the police—including entities such as the DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, additional security organizations, along with units from both the Army and Navy—has stepped up patrol efforts and assumed control at key intersections across various locations within Anambra State like Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala, Oraifite, and numerous others.
This shows how dedicated the security agencies are to keeping peace and safety, with their increased visibility meant to discourage crime, instill confidence among people, and create a secure setting for both residents and tourists.
The authorities asked community members to reach out to the command control center at 07039194332 or the PPRO at 08039334002 for quick assistance, or alternatively, get in touch with local area commanders or DPOs for any security support needed.
Likewise, the NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, mentioned that the organization has stationed personnel to protect crucial federal, state, and local government properties and facilities throughout Anambra.
Maku encouraged locals to carry out their usual legal routines, emphasizing that the command, working alongside partner security organizations, has implemented sufficient precautions to ensure their protection.
He cautioned vandals, economic saboteurs, and those with malicious intentions aimed at undermining the enhanced stability and safety within the state, urging them to stop, and stated that anyone apprehended would confront the complete force of the law.
On the contrary, in Abia State, there were no indications of panic shopping or unease among residents who continued with their usual routines even after the IPOB stay-at-home directive.
The investigations revealed that in cities like Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, the inhabitants stayed composed, allowing everyday activities to proceed without disruption.
The apprehension typically linked to these IPOB instructions seems to have lessened due to the security steps implemented under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
In Aba, the typical tension on such occasions was remarkably lacking, allowing inhabitants to go about their tasks without restraint. Cloth vendor Nkolika Elezi and transport worker James Ona stated that although they would continue operating normally, they would still be watchful.
In Umuahia, the circumstances were comparable. Around the Isi Gate Market area, trade and regular commerce continued as usual, partly due to the state government's timely disbursement of May salaries to civil and public employees on Wednesday, May 27.
Traders like Uchennaya Dike, Bright Uche (who operates a keke), and Madam Nuella Ezebuchi stated that there was no reason for alarm since the region had never rigorously enforced sit-at-home directives in the past.
In Ohafia, reports suggested that a local military unit was on high alert to quickly address any potential security issues. The banks continued their usual operations without experiencing an increase in cash withdrawals. However, locals mentioned they might use the impending weekend for activities like farming.
Previously, the Abia Police Command had directed all police units to guarantee the security of government facilities and police stations throughout the state.
At a security meeting conducted on Tuesday for Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Team Leaders, Abia State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Danlami Isa, underscored strict adherence to the operational directives.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, released a statement on behalf of the commissioner stating: "At the briefing, the Commandant stressed stringent adherence to the operational orders and instructed officials to guarantee adequate oversight over their personnel."
He also directed that every formation should guarantee the safeguarding of their bases and governmental infrastructure.
The commissioner further stated that every unit should stay vigilant and active, with response crews ready to act at a moment's notice.
He was additionally responsible for overseeing the ongoing implementation of 'Operation Show of Force' throughout the state, which was executed by Area Commanders working alongside partner security organizations.
CP Danladi Isa guaranteed Abians a safe and secure transition into the new month, encouraging everyone to stay vigilant about security measures and quickly inform the closest police station or dial the command’s emergency hotlines upon noticing anything unusual.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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