Streets Deserted, Schools, Police Stations, Markets Shut As Military Helicopter Hovers Over Enugu

The Nigerian military on Monday deployed surveillance aircraft to Enugu city, Enugu state capital as residents continue to observe Monday’s sit-at-home protest.

The Monday sit-at-home protest in the five states in southeast Nigeria was initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra to kick against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the separatist group by the government.

However, IPOB soon announced the cancellation of the sit-at-home protest over its negative implications on businesses but some armed men insisted that it must continue and started its forceful enforcement across the region.

Since then, many people have been staying home on Mondays in the region – either as a sign of protest against the continued detention of Kanu or out of fear.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported that the new governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, on June 3, shortly after his first security meeting with all the security agencies, banned the sit-at-home exercise in the state.

Mbah threatened to shut down transport companies, schools and businesses that failed to comply with the government directive starting from Monday, June 5, 2023.

However, four weeks later, Agbani, Akwuke, and Abakpa roads which are usually busy, were on Monday deserted, although, there is no report that the said sit-at-home is being enforced by anyone.

As of 11: 20 am when SaharaReporters monitored several locations in the Enugu metropolis, roads were completely deserted.

SaharaReporters reports that there were several police and military patrol vehicles stationed in various locations and strategic places around the metropolis. Several surveillance helicopters were also seen hovering over the state capital and outskirts of the city centre to monitor any violent enforcement of the sit-at-home.

SaharaReporters also observed that Monday’s sit-at-home exercise which had since started to fizzle out appears to have been reinforced by the state government’s recent ban on the exercise.

On Monday, Garrik market, which is usually busy, was shut while no school – primary and secondary – opened for pupils or students to study.

Schools both within the city centre and on the outskirts of the state capital were shut while filling stations were also shut. In the Holy Ghost area, all transport companies were totally closed. At Old Orie Emene, Abakpa and Garrik, commuters deserted the roads.

However, expectedly there were a few buses and tricycles seen plying New Haven and Ogui areas but they did not seem to any passengers to carry. Some private vehicles were also seen on the road, especially health workers or people on essential duties or those going to the hospital for treatment.

It was observed that some police stations also observed the self-imposed holiday.