The recent two-day sit-at-home order in Nigeria’s South East, which took place on October 21 and 22, has left a deep impact on the region’s daily life, leading to extensive economic and social shutdowns despite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) disowning the order. Circulating videos warned people to stay indoors for safety, showing images of armored vehicles and weapons purportedly for a Biafran launch event. Though authorities attempted to reassure the public, most residents complied with the call, resulting in closures of schools, markets, government offices, and banks across Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi states. This massive response reflects growing fear and distrust among residents, with many feeling compelled to obey anonymous social media threats in the absence of strong security assurances.
Chief Olisa Nwakalor, a retired police officer, and Goodluck Ibem, President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, expressed concern over the region’s vulnerabilities. They underscored the harm these frequent, unverified orders inflict on the economy and the psychological toll they impose on residents. Many argue that the prolonged detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has exacerbated the unrest, with Nwakalor and Ibem calling for his release to ease tensions.
The situation reflects complex issues around governance, security, and identity within the South East. It also highlights the lack of effective response from security forces, which, according to some reports, have failed to ensure safety at checkpoints, often extorting rather than protecting commuters. Many believe that sustained regional stability will only be achievable if authorities address these security gaps and re-establish trust in the rule of law.
