Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, came to a standstill on Friday as residents observed the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) to honour fallen Biafran heroes. Streets across the city were largely empty, with only occasional sightings of tricycles and a few vehicles breaking the silence.
Commercial activity was completely halted as shops, markets, and motor parks remained shut. Financial institutions did not open for business, and both public and private schools were also closed, with no students or staff in sight. The city exhibited a high level of compliance with the directive.
Despite the tension surrounding such orders, there were no reports of clashes between security personnel and IPoB supporters. Interestingly, in the absence of normal activities, some youths took to the deserted streets to play soccer, while others gathered in small groups outside their homes to discuss current national events. Security forces were notably absent from the streets during the observance.
