Biafra Day: Onitsha, Nnewi record widespread compliance with sit-at-home

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

ONITSHA — Commercial and social activities were largely grounded in Onitsha and Nnewi, Anambra State, on Saturday as residents observed a sit-at-home in commemoration of Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day.

Major markets, shops, private offices, petrol stations and eateries across the two commercial centres remained closed, while roads recorded minimal vehicular and human movement.

The usually busy streets of Onitsha and Nnewi wore a deserted look as commercial buses, tricycles and motorcycles were largely absent from the roads.

Residents who spoke to journalists described the level of compliance as one of the highest recorded in recent years, noting that areas that previously witnessed limited activity during similar observances were largely deserted.

Entertainment spots, restaurants and other leisure centres that often attract visitors on public holidays and weekends also remained closed throughout the day.

Some communities where local transportation services are usually available during sit-at-home periods equally recorded little or no movement as operators stayed off the roads.

A visit to parts of Onitsha, including the approaches to the River Niger bridges, showed significantly reduced traffic, with only a few vehicles seen on the roads.

The observance followed a directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which designated May 30 as Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day and called on residents to remain indoors in honour of those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War and in subsequent pro-Biafra activities.

In a statement issued ahead of the commemoration, IPOB described the day as one dedicated to remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices made by those affected by the conflict.

The group urged supporters at home and in the diaspora to observe the occasion peacefully and use the period to remember victims of the civil war and reflect on the lessons of history.

As of the time of filing this report, there were no reports of major security incidents in Onitsha or Nnewi, while the atmosphere across both cities remained calm.

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