Anambra streets deserted as residents comply with sit-at-home order (Photos)

Normal trading resumed at Onitsha Main Market on Monday, as traders reopened their shops following a one-week closure ordered by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. 

However, the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) Monday sit-at-home directive kept streets in other parts of the state largely empty.

Banks, schools, motor parks, and filling stations remained closed, leaving roads deserted. The market has historically been quiet on Mondays since IPOB introduced the sit-at-home order in August 2021.

Soludo ordered the closure of the market last Monday after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.

However, our correspondent observed that major roads in Onitsha, such as Onitsha-Owerri Road, Upper-Iweka, Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Road, and Onitsha-Oba-Nnewi roads, remained deserted on Monday.

The roads leading to the Ochanja market were also deserted, as residents stayed off the roads, while some gathered at various locations to discuss matters of interest.

This was unlike other days, when the roads would be very busy, and trading and other activities would be taking place.

However, in a press statement issued on Monday, the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, commended the residents.

Powerful said, “The Indigenous People of Biafra confirms total and overwhelming compliance with the sit-at-home directive issued across Biafraland. This historic show of unity has once again demonstrated that the deep love, loyalty, and resolve of the Biafran people toward Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot be broken by threats, intimidation, or state-sponsored coercion.

“From Omambala to Onitsha and across the South-East, the people have spoken with one voice. The land of Eri, Nri, Igbo-Ukwu, and Uzo-Igbo has reaffirmed its historic role as the conscience and backbone of the Igbo nation. Our people are born free—and will not submit to fear.

“This peaceful but firm compliance is a clear message: the Biafran people will not be forced to abandon their leader or betray their collective will. The love for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a weakness to be envied or attacked—it is a strength that binds our people and fuels our lawful demand for justice and freedom.

“IPOB remains committed to order, discipline, and respect for institutions, but we will resist every attempt to intimidate, humiliate, or enslave our people. The continued illegal detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu only reinforces the legitimacy of this resistance.

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