Following the declaration of sit at home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to mark the remembrance of those who lost its life at the civil war that ended 30th June 1967, noticeable fear and compliance of this exercise was seen in a different part of Eastern states.
The development in Ebonyi State complied fully with the sit-at-home order as both private and government office shops, schools, banks, and other businesses were in lock and key.
It was gathered that a group of young men around Ozibo Development Centre, were seen harassing motorists also setting ablaze vehicles for flouting the order. The only motorcycles and Keke operators that were seen on the road were those showing solidarity with leaves on their bikes.
The source said: “This sit-at-home is very strong in my place. Motorcycles are being set ablaze with motorists and passersby molested by ‘the boys’ who landed with buses and divided themselves into groups inside bushes along the road.”
An eyewitness observed that “What I am seeing now is not funny. Unknown mob, fierce-looking, carrying gallons of fuel, matchets, faces covered, numbering over 50 just pursued a car at a bridge close to my residence; the driver escaped and they burnt his car. Thereafter heading towards Ebebe junction. Please all should sit at home.”
An unconfirmed report has it that shootings were heard around Amikeaba Community of Ebonyi Local Government Area of the State.
“As am talking to you now, we are hearing gunshots from Amikeaba area. Is like there’s a gun battle between the Police and hoodlums in the area. We are in shock despite remaining in our houses. This is terrible.”
Meantime, a school in Abakaliki, Oak Special Schools had already sent out notices to parents advising them and their children to stay at home.