Businesses, including markets, schools, banks, and motor parks on some popular streets in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Nigeria were closed on Thursday, May 30, 2024 in honor of the Biafra Remembrance Day announced by the outlawed secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The ever-busy Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, as of 9 a.m., was devoid of human and vehicular movements, with popular motor parks around the city also deserted. Sources in Onitsha and Nnewi reported an even more severe situation as residents remained indoors.
“There have been lots of messages circulating on the internet, purported to be coming from IPOB members, threatening anyone who dares to leave their house on May 30,” said an anonymous resident of Onitsha.
Meanwhile, police in Anambra State announced the arrest of an individual among a group enforcing the sit-at-home order. A press release by the spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, “The Command is fully aware of secessionists’ activities and urges the law-abiding citizens of Anambra to disregard such propaganda.”
Ikenga detailed a recent police operation, saying, “On May 29, 2024, at approximately 2:00 PM, police operatives laid an ambush on miscreants along Oba flyover in Idemili South. This led to the interception of a gang of four armed men operating on motorbikes. During the encounter, one miscreant was apprehended, while the other three managed to evade capture, sustaining bullet injuries in the process.”
He added, “The operatives recovered a locally made Beretta pistol, four expended cartridges, two phones, and incriminating evidence indicative of unpatriotic and disloyal behavior towards the Nigerian government.”
“Rest assured, the police, along with other security agencies, have mobilized law enforcement resources to ensure the safety and security of every citizen in the state,” Ikenga assured the public.
The command also circulated hotlines for residents to reach out to the police in case of any violence in their area.
