Sit-at-Home Order Gains Traction In Enugu And Anambra After Massacre.
Residents of Enugu and Anambra states largely complied with a sit-at-home order declared by a pro-Biafra group, following the killing of scores of people in Anambra State on Sunday. The order, initially ignored, gained momentum after news of the tragic event spread across the region.
The group had circulated a viral video announcing the launch of alleged armoured vehicles, which sparked further concern. Prior to the massacre, most residents had disregarded the order, with businesses and daily activities continuing as usual.
Speaking to our correspondents, Thomas Eze, a trader in Enugu, remarked on the situation: “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.”
In a related development, Mrs Clara Eze, a concerned parent, chose to keep her daughter from attending school despite her school not observing the sit-at-home order. “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 explained. She later discovered that many parents had taken similar precautions, opting to keep their children at home.
James Itodo, a school proprietor in Awka, also confirmed a low turnout of students due to fear of the recent violence. “We opened for academic activities today, but not many students turned up. The fear of the Anambra massacre caused it. We pray our region gets better soon,” he said.
In addition to schools, shops and filling stations across parts of Anambra and Enugu remained shut, reflecting the growing apprehension among residents.
The Enugu State Police Command had earlier advised residents to disregard the sit-at-home order, offering assurances of protection against any disturbances. Meanwhile, the Anambra Police Command confirmed the killings in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, during the Onwa Asaa Festival and stated that a manhunt for the perpetrators has been launched.
The tragic incident has left the region in mourning, with residents now more cautious amid rising tensions.
