Commercial activities in many areas of the South East were largely halted yesterday due to the continuation of the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), protesting the imprisonment of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Despite the successful implementation of the weekly directive, IPOB denied announcing a sit-at-home exercise for October 21 and 22 in any part of Igbo land.
In Aba, Abia State, schools, banks, and markets remained closed, and major roads—including Azikiwe, Faulks, and Aba-Owerri—were nearly deserted. Patrols by combined teams of soldiers and police were visible throughout the city.
Compliance was high in Umuahia as well, with streets largely empty and limited human and vehicular traffic. Many students stayed home, as schools did not open, and private institutions had informed families in advance that they would not resume classes on Monday and Tuesday. Banks also remained closed, with only a few street shops operating.
A police convoy, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier and patrol vans, was seen patrolling major streets, though the overall atmosphere in the city remained peaceful, with no reports of violence.