Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, experienced a peaceful and bustling atmosphere on Thursday as residents ignored the sit-at-home directive issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) in honour of fallen Biafra heroes.
Contrary to expectations of a lockdown, banks, markets, and motor parks operated normally, with commercial activities in full swing. Major roads in the city witnessed human and vehicular traffic, signaling a clear rejection of the IPoB call.
While some schools opted to close their gates out of caution, many others remained open for academic activities. However, attendance was low as some parents chose to keep their children at home due to fear of potential unrest.
Shops and businesses along major streets opened their doors to customers, and workers across the city reported to duty as usual. Despite the security concerns often associated with Biafra Day in the Southeast, there was no noticeable presence of security agents on the streets.
The calm and orderly nature of the day stood in stark contrast to previous Biafra Day observances, where fear and compliance with the sit-at-home directive were widespread.
The non-compliance in Abakaliki may signal a growing resistance to enforced civic disruptions, as residents prioritize peace and economic stability over politically driven orders.
As of press time, there were no reports of violence or arrests related to the observance of the memorial day.
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