Despite the visit of Vice President Yemi Osibanjo to Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State on Friday, many residents chose to observe the sit-at-home ordered by pro-separatist groups in the southeast.
The Nation observed that there was heavy security deployed to every corner of the city for the VP’s visit.
However, despite the heavy security beef up, residents chose to stay at home as most businesses were under lock.
Banks and filling stations did not open for business.
Residents who needed cash used the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Schools did not open as children were seen playing on the streets or at home.
However some eateries and few other businesses opened for business in some parts of the city, especially along Ogoja road, Water walks street and Afikpo road.
Intra city transport was available as commercial motorcyclists and tricycles operated.
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The Margaret Umahi International Market was scanty as most shops were under lock.
Some traders were however selling at the vegetables and food crops section though some of them said they were recording low patronage as there were few customers who came to the market.
Most government offices opened at the Ochudo secretariat but the atmosphere was subdued.
Transport companies did not load to other States but some loaded to some towns within the State like Onueke, Ịkwọ and Afikpo.
The sit-at-home was declared by Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) for the court appearance days of its detained Leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu is facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony slammed on him by Nigeria’s federal government.
IPOB is a group seeking for the creation of an Independent state of Biafra to be warned out of Southeast and parts of soutsouth of Nigeria. Ends