Businesses, schools, and government offices in Enugu and Owerri were shut on Friday, May 30, as residents observed a sit-at-home order marking Biafra Day.
The directive, issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), brought both state capitals to a standstill.
In Enugu, major areas like Gariki, Agbani Road, Zik’s Avenue, Ogbete Market, and New Layout were deserted. Government offices, banks, marketplaces, and even schools such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka (Enugu campus) and IMT Enugu remained closed, with heavy police patrols visible throughout the city.
A resident, Sunday Ejike, called for formal recognition of the day in the region. “There’s nothing wrong for the government of the South-East region to declare a public holiday on every May 30 for Biafra Day,” he said.
“If it is in the South-West, their leaders would have pressed the Federal Government to declare a national holiday, but in the case of South-East, the leaders are very naïve.”
Another resident who spoke anonymously said most people stayed home out of fear, while some simply welcomed the break. “People are not ready to risk their lives, so it’s better to stay home,” the source said.
In Owerri, the story was the same. Business hubs such as Wethedral, Douglas, and Tetlow roads were completely deserted, despite the Imo State Police Command’s earlier plea for residents to ignore the sit-at-home order.
Traders said they stayed away to avoid potential attacks. “It’s not worth the risk,” one trader remarked.
The Imo State Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed that security operatives from multiple agencies had been deployed across the 27 local government areas to ensure public safety.
“These operatives are currently undertaking intensive confidence-building patrols and show-of-force operations,” he said.
The Biafra Day sit-at-home directive continues to spark debate and tension in the region, underscoring the lasting impact of the separatist struggle.
