Despite calling it off and assurances by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) that it would not enforce the sit-at-home order, residents of Aba, Abakiliki, Enugu, Nsukka, Onitsha and Owerri kept off the streets on Monday.
Emma Powerful, the media and publicity secretary of IPOB had given assurances that the group would not enforce the weekly order.
Powerful also warned residents of the region to be careful of the antics of security agencies.
However, the streets were virtually empty as even the few commercial vehicles, described as the early risers that convey women to markets to buy foodstuffs, kept off.
Banks, markets and other economic activities were shut down but students were seen going to school.
According to IPOB: “The intelligence unit of IPOB has uncovered secret plots by the Nigeria security agencies, most especially the DSS and the police to disguise as IPOB and ESN operatives to attack traders who come out tomorrow for their legitimate businesses,” the statement read in part.
“IPOB restates that there is no longer Ghost Mondays in Biafra land in solidarity with our detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Sit-at-home will only be observed on the days our leader will be making appearances in court. Such days will be well publicised ahead of time.
“Everybody is hereby placed on alert about this wicked plot. IPOB will not tolerate any attack on any Biafran or resident of Biafra under any guise.
“Security agencies have perfected plans to unleash attacks on innocent people in the name of ESN and IPOB volunteers. We have no plans again to enforce any sit-at-home order.
“We understand that all DPOs, DCOs other senior police officers in Enugu held meetings to perfect this plan to attack innocent Biafrans and tag it ESN attacks”.
