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Mysterious sit-at-home paralyzes Umuahia as IPOB denies involvement
Abia State’s capital, Umuahia, was paralyzed on Monday by an unclaimed sit-at-home directive, sparking widespread disruption. Although the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) denied responsibility, the move is believed to be connected to the ongoing detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
A source, requesting anonymity, revealed to Vanguard that the two-day sit-at-home stemmed from public frustration over Kanu’s inaccessible status. “Since nobody knows Kanu’s whereabouts, people are worried and unhappy. They’ll obey any order promoting his freedom,” the source said.
Monday’s compliance was total, contrasting previous protests. Streets were deserted, human and vehicular traffic minimal, with occasional tricycle and vehicle movements. Schools, banks and most shops closed, while residents stayed indoors due to uncertainty.
Read Also: Corruption: EFCC claims recovery of N200bn, over 3,000 convictions in one year
A police convoy patrolled major streets, maintaining peace without reported violence.
Kanu’s Lead Council, Aloy Ejimakor, previously accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of isolating Kanu. Ejimakor’s October 14 statement read: “The DSS blocked our legal team from visiting Kanu, violating court orders… It’s unclear what the DSS hides. Is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hale and hearty?”
This development follows Kanu’s September 24 court appearance, after which lawyers and family members were denied access.
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