South East States grounded amid sit-at-home directive; IPOB denies involvement

Commercial activities in the South East states came to a halt yesterday as the sit-at-home directive, allegedly issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led to the closure of businesses, schools, and markets in the region.

The directive, reportedly tied to the incarceration of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saw major cities like Aba and Umuahia deserted, with banks, schools, and markets closed, and a heavy presence of security forces.

Despite the wide compliance with the order, IPOB has denied issuing any sit-at-home directive for October 21 and 22.

Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, dismissed the rumors, clarifying that the group does not impose unnecessary sit-at-home orders.

Security forces, including combined teams of soldiers and police, patrolled key areas to ensure peace, while reports of violence in Imo State’s Okigwe council area were debunked by the state police, who attributed the viral video to a past event from 2022.

In Owerri, Imo State, streets were deserted early in the day, with shops, banks, and markets closed.

Though tension rose following the circulation of the video, the Imo State Police Command reassured citizens, confirming that no new attacks had occurred.