Economic and social activities were paralysed on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State capital as residents observed the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to honour Igbo people who died during the Nigerian Civil War.
The streets of Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu were completely deserted as residents stayed indoors in compliance with the sit-at-home order.
Although the police and the military had advised residents to disregard the order and given assurances that their safety would be guaranteed, shops, markets, offices and others were closed on Thursday.
Petrol stations were equally shut across the state. Transporters also withdrew their services.
The situation is similar in Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu and Anambra states.
IPOB, a pro-Biafra secessionist group, had ordered residents of the Southeast region to stay indoors to mark Biafra Day.
IPOB had set aside May 30 as the day to remember the people who paid the supreme price during the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War.
No fewer than two million Igbo people died in the war, according to various accounts.
IPOB had warned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) against conducting its examination in the region today, Thursday.
However, appeals were made to the separatist group to allow the examination to be held.
That probably accounts for why students taking the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination were seen going to schools in the capital city as early as 7 am without being molested.
