BY EMMANUEL OLUKOTUN

For years now, the South East has been plagued with the sit-at-home protest enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a move aimed at the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu from Federal Government detention.

The protest, which began in August 2021, impacted negativity in the economy of the region, with the weekly shutdown paralysing most commercial activities in their towns and cities.

According to SBM Intelligence, which analysed the situation, the region had lost, at least, N7.6 trillion so far in economic damages due to the ugly development.

The protest has not only brought economic woes, but also destruction of properties and loss of lives, causing the death of not fewer than 776 people and putting an end to activities in other sectors.

“The sit-at-home protests, enforced by IPOB since 2021, have transformed from a symbolic act of dissent into a protracted crisis with devastating socioeconomic and security consequences for South East Nigeria. The region has suffered staggering losses, including N7.6 trillion in economic damage,” the report stated.