The Sit-at home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has stalled socio-economic activities, including the resumption of public and private schools in the South east geo-political zone.
Our correspondent who visited some of the educational institutions in Owerri, the Imo state capital yesterday said, schools could not re-open as pupils and students in public and private schools stayed away. The situation was also said to be the same in schools across the 27 local government areas off the state.
The federal government had in an announcement directed that schools be re-opened nationwide for teaching and learning. Unfortunately, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had issued a statement calling on residents in the South East to stay indoors every Monday and any day the leader of the separatist group, Mazi Nnamdi kanu, is to appear in court as a mark of solidarity. Later, the IPOB cancelled the Monday sit-at-home order, directing that is should be observed only on days Kanu is to appear in court.
But, the Monday sit-at-home order was re-issued, allegedly, by unknown gunmen, forcing residents in the zone to comply or face dire consequences.
This has caused another round of socio-economic dislocation in the zone. Responding to questions from newsmen, a parent Dr Ikenna Njoku said, it is risky to release his children for school, considering the precarious security situation.
He said, “I would not take the risk of allowing my children go to school today as the activities of those who enforce the Sit-at-home order have become more glaring.”
Besides, many public places, including markets, eateries, banks and shops were closed.
