By Angela Nkwo-Akpolu, Owerri
Residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital on Friday stayed indoors in compliance with a sit-at-home directive by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to honour fallen Biafra heroes.
Our correspondent reports that streets were empty from Douglas, Wethedral, Government House, IMSU Junction, up to Orlu Roads, despite the heavy presence of security operatives to safeguard lives and properties.
IPOB has fixed May 30th of every year as Remembrance Day for fallen Biafra heroes, directing that no business activity should take place on that day.
In compliance workers, traders, students, and transporters stayed indoors in Owerri, the state capital.
A drive across Tetlow, Wethedral, Douglas Market, all in Owerri showed residents’ total compliance to the sit-at-home order even against their wish.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye assured residents of safety.
Okoye however warned troublemakers to stay away from the streets as there was a joint operation by security operatives comprising the Army, Airforce, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp, DSS, Federal Road Safety Corps, Immigration, and Federal Fire Service.
He added that the wide range of the security personnel were stationed across the state to ensure safety of lives and properties and avoid any breach of security.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has once again called on the good and law-abiding people of Imo State to disregard the disruptive sit-at-home threat issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“He reassures all residents that the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, has activated robust security measures to forestall any form of threat or attack across the State,” Okoye said.
The Command further issued a stern warning to any person or group planning to breach the peace by attempting to enforce the illegal sit-at-home threat, vowing that such persons will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
Imo residents were enjoined to remain vigilant, security conscious, and report any suspicious movement or activity within their environment to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08034773600 or 08148024755.
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