Roads and Streets in Enugu city, South-East Nigeria are lonely but calm this Monday, as residents continued to observe the weekly sit-at-home civil action, called by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The separatist agitation group insists that the action is to put pressure on the Nigerian authorities to free its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is in the custody of the secret police, the Department of State Services, DSS.
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Despite previous announcements by the leadership of the self-determination group, suspending the every Monday sit-at-home action, residents have largely shunned calls by the state governments and regional political leaders to go about their normal businesses.
Streets, roads, markets, and banks within the Enugu metropolis were on lockdown, as economic and other activities were dwindling, following the civil disobedience.
Abakpa, a suburb in Enugu East Local Government Area, that use to be full of business and economic activities, especially on Monday mornings, was on lockdown, as major roads and streets were empty of human and vehicular traffic.
An unconfirmed report claimed that a group of persons, alleged to be enforcing the sit-at-home order, had burnt a tricycle, popularly known as “Keke Napep,” operating commercial transport around the Texaco Bus Stop, in the early hours of the day.
AIT News could not independently verify this report, but well-armed security operatives were seen around the area.
Major Markets and shops in Enugu city are under lock and keys while students for the West African Examinations Council, WAEC examinations were seen trekking long distances to their various centres, due to the absence of transporters.
The usually very busy Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Okpara Avenue, Independence Layout, and New Heaven were empty of heavy traffic.
Though there was no known threat to the security of the people in Enugu State, the residents stayed indoors and no one is certain when the every Monday sit-at-home action will come to an end.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
