Many residents of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Anambra states were largely in compliance with the sit-at-home order declared by a pro-Biafra group following the killing of scores of people in Anambra on Sunday.
Recall that the group had circulated a viral video announcing the launch of its alleged armoured vehicles.
Residents of the four states on Monday revealed that the sit-at-home order was initially ignored but gained traction after news of the massacre spread.
9News Nigeria correspondents in these four states gathered many streets, markets were deserted following the order by the group.
In Ebonyi State, many traders at the popular Abakaliki International Market locked their shops.
Thomas Eze, a trader in Enugu, noted, “Sit-at-home has been reduced to nothing in Enugu State. Banks, shops and businesses have been operating since its cancellation by the state government. Even when the latest one was declared, no one took them seriously.
“But when we heard about the massacre of some innocent people at Nibo in Anambra State on Sunday, we became cautious.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Clara Eze, a parent, prevented her daughter from going to school despite the school not observing the sit-at-home.
She said, “My daughter attends University Secondary School. The school doesn’t observe sit-at-home.
“But today, I told her not to go. I would have allowed her to go as usual, but the fear of what happened in Anambra State made me tell her not to prepare today.
She said, “My daughter attends University Secondary School. The school doesn’t observe sit-at-home.
“But today, I told her not to go. I would have allowed her to go as usual, but the fear of what happened in Anambra State made me tell her not to prepare today.
“I later made calls, and realised that many parents didn’t let their children go to school.”
James Itodo, a school proprietor, confirmed that few students attended school in Awka due to fear of the Anambra massacre.
“We opened for academic activities today, but not many students turned up. The fear of Anambra massacre caused it. We pray our region get better soon,” he said.
Aside from schools, Shops and filling stations in many parts of Anambra and Enugu remained shut.
Recall that the Enugu State Police Command had earlier urged residents to disregard the sit-at-home call, assuring protection against miscreants.
Earlier, the Anambra Police Command confirmed the killings at Nibo, Awka South LGA, during the Onwa Asaa Festival. The statement said a manhunt for the perpetrators has been launched.
Scores of people were reportedly murdered.
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