… As residents cry out over lack of security
Active life operations and regular business activities have returned to normal in many parts of Southeast States where the terroristic activities of unknown gunmen who were allegedly enforcing one week Sit@Home said to be declared by the Simon Ekpa faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) from the country of Finland in faraway Europe.
However, many residents of the terror-riddled areas of Southeast have blamed the governments and the Security Agencies for not providing adequate security for the people which may have given room for the unruly and inhuman activities of the Sit-at-home enforcer who unleashed chaos that resulted in heavy and continued shooting which resulted in the death of some persons with many others badly injured in the areas where terrorists held sway or appeared intermittently.
Abia
The One week Sit-at-home declared by the Simon Ekpa faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has come and ended.
Though the July 3-10 declaration was disowned by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, the Simon Ekpa men still enforced it in the in all States in the South East.
However, from reports gathered from different parts of Abia State presented the State as experiencing the lowest level of ‘compliance’ and disturbance.
Apart from the burning of a shuttle bus by suspected sit- at-home enforcers at Ngwa road on last week Tuesday, there were no record of violence on Abia State soil during the one week Sit-at-home.
In Umuahia the State capital, it was a week without violence or disturbance of any type.
People went about their normal businesses as all government offices, schools, markets were open for businesses except on Monday morning when people were initially afraid to come out.
However, the Umuahia capital city regained its vibe from 12: noon when people began to come out on noticing that the coast was clear.
Banks opened for ATM transactions on Monday but did full banking services from Tuesday to Friday.
However, there was a significant drop in the number of passengers coming from the Imo State axis into Abia, as many travellers from Owerri, Ihite Uboma, Mbaise, Obowo etc were afraid to risk their lives.
At Aba, Sit-at-home was partially observed in Aba on Monday and Tuesday morning but the Enyimba city bounced back to activities the remaining days of the week.
The only incident recorded in the city was the early morning burning of a shuttle bus by some unknown persons, at Ngwa road.
The vibrancy recorded in the urban parts of Abia State was a sharp contrast to what life looked like in rural areas.
Local markets in Ihechiowa, Ngwa, Ukwa, Bende, Isuochi, Ariam Isuikwuato and Ututu, all recorded low attendance as traders were afraid of coming out.
Drivers plying local routes complained of low patronage as their vehicles were either empty or half -filled, even at a period of high cost of fuel.
Many newsstands in Umuahia were usually occupied by free readers and other IPOB sympathizers as they came out to read about how the sit-at-home was “succeeding” or not in different parts of the South East.
At the news-stands, some of the free readers were hailing Simeon Ekpa for his ‘courage’ while some other ones were calling for his arrest.
Imo
The week long sit at home which was declared by the Simon Ekpa faction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the south East witnessed near total compliance especially from the 4th day of the week long declaration with the gunmen enforcers appearing in different in different locations and areas of the State in commando style shooting sporadically which resulted to some deaths with many others sustaining various degrees of injuries; many people therefore closed offices and shops while retiring back to the homes in fears and panic.
For seven days, many shops were closed, many private and public workers did not go to work, schools closed, exams suspended. Only few villagers went to farm even amid fear, ATM did not fully work with commercial banks offering skeletal services silently, secretly
Many schools in the state closed and stayed off academic activities within the week, some who opened for activities rescinded after hearing of several attacks by the enforcers. Parents run to their ward’s schools to pick them up. However, some public school were open as the management claimed not to have received any instruction from the State government to close school.
The Sit-at-home enforcers popularly known as “Unknown Gunmen” took their operations to various parts of the state while seeking ensure strict compliance, the areas included Orie Amaraku market, where on Saturday, according to reports gunmen attacked and burnt part of the market including a keke bus and motorcycles which made the traders and residents scamper for safety.
Similarly at Akwakuma area of Owerri, gunmen also attacked killing a Tricycle operations and another person while several persons sustained injuries at the process.
Also on Sunday, Irete, Orogwe and its environs witnessed another attack as eye witnesses report show that the gunmen shot sporadically in the air to scare people away for some minutes and this caused heavy traffic at that area.
Banks and markets were not left out as most Banks in Owerri were not opened whereas some still opened and attended to their customers amidst the crises.
On Monday, been the mother of all sit-at-home was observed by Imolites as could not come out for business probably as a result of heightened terroristic activities experienced in the past 3 or 4 days in different part of the state. Schools, shops, banks, and other commercial locked up and a few who braved it inside Owerri town opened with one door closed causing business activities to be grounded. Vehicles were scarcely seen on the roads even in the major roads of Owerri, the State capital.
The sit-at-home according to reports were about 75% compliant in many parts of Imo State especially in Owerri North, Owerri West, Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Isu, Ngor-Okpala, Mbaitolu, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ikeduru, Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ihitte- Uboma, Obowo, Okigwe, Ehime Mbano, Isiala Mbano, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Owerri Municipal Local Government.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, the Traditional ruler of Orji autonomous community was said to have received letter from IPOB warning residents of Orji and traders at Orji market to obey the sit at home or face the consequence. This made the popular seven day Nkworji market on Monday witness a low turnout of traders.
As a result, a trader who is a resident of Umuoma Nekede in Owerri West, Nwada Nnenna Okoro, told News Echo that the long days sit-at -home order was uncalled for, saying it depleted the fragile economy of the state, thereby increased hardship, hunger and suffering.
“As you can see, many shops within this area are under lock and key. Even schools are closed. You hardly see a commercial bus to board, even Keke or bike. Many people now trek to-and-fro and they cannot help the situation because we are now used to it. But when will this strange occurrence in our clime stop. Hence, those in authority should rise to the occasion, dialogue with the agitators to give peace a chance”, Okoro said.
While urging government to do the needful by releasing the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from DSS detention so that lockdown could reduce minimally in the South East Region, normalcy and calmness return, Emeka Isinwa, who lives at Naze, Owerri North, lamented that “the 7 days sit-at-home enforcement adversely affected the people of Imo State particularly those who feed from hand to mouth. Federal Government should quickly release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu if the South East Region must be free from carnage and suffering”.
The Imo state police command through its spokesman Henry Okoye while responding to the series of attack in the state said the police is at the top of the issue to fish out the perpetrators of the act and would prosecute them if found culpable.
ASP Henry Okoye also seized the opportunity to warn criminal against causing unrest in the state as the police will try it’s best to resist such action. He also urged Imo citizens to go about their lawful businesses as their safety is guaranteed.
Imo citizens are worried about the state government not issuing any statement about the incessant attack across the state. As of the time of filling this report, the state government was yet to issue a statement. When News Echo contacted the CPS to the governor, Oguwuike Nwachukwu, he told our reporter that he is not aware of any sit-at-home.
Anambra
In Anambra, the much touted one-week sit-at-home that started from June 3 to June 9, declared by Simon Ekpa’s faction of the IPOB group had left some chilling discoveries of fear, panic and mixed reactions among residents of Anambra.
Our Correspondent who monitored the unholy order reports that in major cities like Onitsha, Awka, Ekwulobia recorded an abysmal turnout of business activities as chops, banks, offices, including schools and market were shut down.
Some markets which attempted to open up like the Building Material Market, Ogbunike, Article market in Onitsha, Eke Awka, to mention a few, later shut down as at between 11am to 1pm as unknown chase took place in different times.
It was equally gathered that school administrators on Tuesday, 6th began calling parents and guardians to come and pick their children on hearing the online news of possibly being attacked by Unknown Gunmen in Enugu and some areas that showed traders running in different directions.
Some of the alerts and messages read: “Heavy tension in Anambra State especially in Onitsha shooting gun everywhere this morning all the markets have closed down.”
“Some miscreants wanted to disturb the peace in Onitsha but the Army responded immediately. Everything is back to normal. Nnewi was a panic run. Nothing visible. The area you must not get close to is Nkpor-Umuoji road.”
“Unknown Gunmen in Igbariam Junction) Awkuzu Today Friday July 7, 2023.
“I just received notice that unknown gunmen just pursued all the bikes, keke, private cars and shuttle from Igbariam junction (Ibilibe Ogada junction) in Awkuzu, Anambra State.
“They moved from the junction and drove the Igbariam campus. All the shops around here just locked up and the student lodges locked their gates.
“Students within the campus are reportedly panicking and running helter skelter. Please place calls and alert your friends and relatives to stay safe.”
“Happening Now! Heavy gunshots at Nkpor, Ogidi, Awka and all parts of Anambra. I have just gone to bring my children from their school. Run for your life maka na Awusa abatago Awka.”
This was the case as residents also shared some videos to corroborate their messages. One of the videos showed people alleged to be students of Anambra State University, Igbariam, running and scampering for safety after hearing sounds of gunshots in the area.
The other was said to be video of traders at the Building Material Market, Ogbunike, running for their lives, while the thing chasing after them was not shown.
News Echo however gathered that, everything was a rumour as nobody can actually pinpoint and say what actually happened.
Reacting to the viral speculations and security alert alleging that some suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) invaded Onitsha, Nnewi, Awkuzu, Ogidi, Ogbunike, and other parts of the State to enforce the continuation of the week-long sit-at-home which was said to have started on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer’ Anambra State Command, Dsp Ikenga Tochukwu in a statement made avaliable to News Echo debunked the news.
According to Ikenga “This is today 7th of July, 2023. As you can see (in a video sent to our correspondent) businesses is ongoing in Nnewi and environs. Those instigating fear on people, I don’t know what they will gain from that”.
He further noted that the command have observed with great dismay, the mischievous act of persons sharing false security alerts/messages, and doctored old videos of security incidents to cause tension/panic in the State. “Given the above the Command shall invoke relevant cyber laws on persons found wanting in this regard”.
Earlier, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah representing Anambra South Senatorial district during the sit at home took to the streets of Nnewi with security men declaring an end to sit at home order by Simon Ekpe. He warned Ekpe over instigating fear in South east while in Finland and warned him to desist from causing havoc in the state. Rather he should go to his home town to give such others.
Sen Ubah however called on Ndi Nnewi residents to open up their businesses as security forces with surveillance camera are in place to ensure their lives and property are save.
Collaborating, Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Sir Paul Nwosu, in his statement on 8th July alluded that the State is calm and peaceful. And people are going about their normal businesses in Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, Ekwulobia, and other parts of the State. “Anambra is safe. And, remember, Anambra has never, and will never obey any sit-at-home order from the non-state actors; and not even the one from the so-called Simon Ekpa”.
“So, the State is very peaceful and calm, and, Mr. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and the security forces are on top of the situation. So we assure the residents of the State that there is no need for them to panic. There’s no cause for alarm.”
Meanwhile, the Police Command has noted that the confidence reposed on them by Ndi Anambra in the protection of lives and properties shall not be taken for granted. While assuring that the Police with other security forces have intensified patrols, improved security dominance and surveillance in the state.
Enugu and Ebonyi
The Sit-at-home enforcement caused some high level pandemonium in Ishieke and Ukwuachi suburbs of Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, on Tuesday as gunmen reportedly shot into the air to disperse traders at a market in the area.
The gunmen, alleged to be enforcing the seven-day sit-at-home order declared by an acclaimed separatist group, stormed the market and fired shots into the air to disperse the traders.
Operating in an open-roof vehicle and two motorcycles, the gunmen wielded various high-calibre guns.
They reportedly warned the traders to go home immediately for their own safety. The incident caused panic and chaos in the area as people fled for safety.
According to a source in the area, the police later arrived after the gunmen had already left.
However, news of the incident spread throughout the town, leading to the temporary closure of shops and businesses in some parts of the state, particularly in the Mile 50 area.
This incident followed the burning of a patrol van by gunmen in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area on Monday.
During a security meeting at the Council Headquarters, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government, Odono Ikechukwu Onwe, condemned the incident, which occurred in Ugwagba.
He promised to utilize all available means to apprehend the perpetrators and called for maximum cooperation among stakeholders to combat insecurity in the area.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Ogbonna Tobias, expressed disapproval of the incident.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of residents.
The police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, stated that the police had been deployed to the affected areas to maintain peace.
She noted that the police were actively pursuing the gunmen and expressed confidence that they would soon be apprehended.
She urged the people to resume their normal activities as security had been heightened throughout the state.
However, the Ebonyi State Police Command later arrested 15 persons suspected to be responsible for shootings in parts of the state on Tuesday over sit-at-home order.
Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Abakaliki, the state capital, the commissioner of Police, Faleye Olaleye, explained that his men arrested the suspects from their hideouts including two herbalists Okwudili Otozi and Nnenna Ali who prepares charms for the gunmen.
“They have attacked our area commander and burnt our vehicle. They have been terrorizing the state. On July 4, they came to Ishieke and some parts of Abakaliki shooting sporadically to enforce the sit-at-home order by pro-Biafra agitators.
“Fifteen of them have been apprehended even with their herbalist. You can see the board, you can see the red cloth they were wearing that day, you can see the paraphernalia which also includes the women.
“They were preparing for another attack today when we carried out the sting operation and arrested them,” the Commissioner of Police said.
However, one of the herbalists told newsmen that he was forced to join the gang.
“I did not know that they wanted to operate in Ebonyi; they came to me and requested for medicine and I gave it to them, after which they forced me to join them to the bush for further preparations.
“Please, I was forced to follow them after I gave them the medicine,” Otozi claimed
Recall that that gunmen, on Tuesday, dispersed citizens, particularly traders, around Ishieke and Ukwuachi suburbs of Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.
The gunmen, who were enforcing a sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), caused panic in the areas as people took to their heels for safety.
In Enugu, the Sit-at-home enforcers reportedly moved around the suburbs of Enugu, shooting sporadically into the air dispersing people who came out for legitimate businesses following the orders of the State Governor, Peter Mbah, urging the Enugu people to ignore the sit-at-home from the Simon Ekpa factional group of IPOB.
The enforcers were said to have visited some were they flogged and terrorized the school pupils, students and their teachers causing fears and panic among parents and guardians
