Major cities in the South East region of the country remained standstill on Monday as the #Free Nnamdi Kanu protest rocked states capitals like Abakaliki (Ebonyi), Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, (Anambra), Umuahia (Abia) and Owerri (Imo).
Major streets of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital were deserted as residents and traders largely stayed indoors in solidarity with calls for the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Similarly, banks and markets, mechanics village, and spare parts market, remained shut.
Though the State Secretariat was operational, many workers abandoned their posts amid fears of unrest, just as there were skeletal transportation services within the city centre, as commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles in operation were few, leaving few commuters to trek long distances to their destinations.
In Imo, security officers were deployed to various locations in the state capital Owerri and its environs as schools, shops and government institutions were under lock and key, with skeletal vehicular movement.
Residents were seen converging in front of their premises, whilst discussing the situation.
The Imo State Police Command had earlier assured residents of adequate security amid the planned protests, noting that it had, in collaboration with other sister agencies, deployed security personnel across the state to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that a joint security Show of Force Operation is ongoing across the state – involving the police, military, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC and other relevant agencies.
He maintained that the exercise is aimed at boosting public confidence, reassuring residents of their safety, and warning individuals or groups against any action that may disrupt the existing peace in the state.
Okoye, in the press statement, added that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
It was similar situation in Umuahia, the capital of Abia state, as well as Onitsha and Nnewi in Anambra state as residents joined in the protest, which left several shops and businesses closed
It would however be recalled that Mondays have remained a sit – at – home day in several South East states, as earlier declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in protest to the continued detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.