Biafra Day: Lockdown In Abia As Residents Obey IPOB Order

Major streets inAbia State’s major cities of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia were grounded as the Indigenous People of Biafra celebrated Biafra Day on Friday.

Residents Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia areas, obeyed IPOB’s order despite security measures put in place across the state by the Alex Otti-led administration.

Economic activities were paralysed until late evening, while markets, shops and commercial banks were under lock and key, as were motor parks and schools, and government offices offered skeletal services.

A few tricycle operators in Umuahia were seen on the road empty, while some who spoke to newsmen decried the losses incurred as a result of the stay-at-home directive and called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to issues of marginalisation in the country.

In Umuahia, a visit to the ever-busy Isigate showed empty tables as traders did not show up, while a few shop owners within were seen loitering around.

A resident of Umuahia, Ikechi Emelike, said, “I am happy that people observed the order.

“We are not observing a sit-at-home order, but remembering our heroes past who lost their lives in the struggle for Biafra. “There is no family in the South East that did not lose someone.”

The Abia State Police Command had on Tuesday said all police formations in the state had been instructed to ensure the protection of their bases and government infrastructure in the state.

According to the state Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement she issued on behalf of the commissioner, “During the briefing, the CP emphasised strict compliance with the Operation Order and directed officers to ensure proper supervision of their subordinates.

“He further instructed that all formations must ensure the protection of their bases and government infrastructure.”

The CP strongly advised, “All units have been mandated to remain alert and proactive, especially officers at strategic points. Response teams are to be on standby and prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies,” and ordered the continued conduct of Operation Show of Force to be commanded by Area Commanders in collaboration with sister security agencies across the state.

The police boss used the opportunity to assure residents of a peaceful and secure month-end, urging the public to remain security-conscious and to support the police by promptly reporting suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency numbers.

Similarly, in a release dated Thursday, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abia State Command, Commandant Akinsola Aderemi, while addressing its officers, stressed the importance of adhering strictly to the operational order, directing officers to closely supervise their subordinates over the Biafra Day celebration.

He emphasised that all formations must prioritise the security of their bases and that the Rapid Response Squad, Tactical Team and the Counter-Terrorism Unit would patrol black spots and other flash points to nip any criminal intentions in the bud, assuring the public that NSCDC was fully prepared to protect lives and properties, as well as all National Assets and Infrastructure in Abia State, at all times.

“We urge the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear,” he said, adding that the Corps was working closely with other security agencies to ensure the month ended peacefully.

PUNCH