By Milcah Tanimu
As the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) marks Biafra Heroes Day today, heavy security presence and panic buying have been reported across the South-East region of Nigeria. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Itam, deployed officers to various schools in anticipation of potential unrest.
Similarly, the Enugu State government has rejected IPOB’s sit-at-home order, with security agencies on high alert to maintain law and order. IPOB had previously issued a statement through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, advising the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to reschedule exams set for May 30. They also suggested that Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State postpone its convocation planned for the same date.
IPOB declared a sit-at-home across the five South-East states to honor the Igbo people killed during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. The group warned against business activities and movement on this day.
In response, major markets and schools in Anambra State were under tight security on Wednesday. Residents were seen making last-minute purchases to avoid being stranded during the sit-at-home. Students taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were relocating closer to their exam centers to ensure they could attend.
Banks and ATM points experienced high traffic as customers withdrew cash for purchases. Grace Acho, a resident shopping at Eke Awka Market in Awka, told our correspondent, “My brother, when I heard that markets would not open tomorrow, I took permission from the office to rush here to buy some foodstuffs and get ready for tomorrow.”
The heightened security measures and public reaction highlight the significant impact of IPOB’s directives on daily life in the region.