The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Maye of Yoruba warns illegal gold miners

    The Maye of Yoruba land, Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, has warned illegal gold miners to desist from the act.

    He spoke against the backdrop of widespread kidnapping and insecurity allegedly caused by the incursion of illegal gold miners in the Southwest and particularly in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    Adedoyin, who spoke during a meeting of Royal Brothers’ Club of Ife, told illegal gold miners to leave Ife, and by extension Osun State, saying he would not mind personally arresting the perpetrators and hand them to law enforcement agents.

    Read Also: Training for 150 miners in Osun

    He noted that the gold being illegally mined in Ife and Ijesa land belonged to the people and as such should be used for the good of all rather than by few illegal miners and their godfathers.

    The Maye urged the Ife Development Board to be alive to its responsibilities, and wondered why the board had kept silent for so long on the matter. According to him, revenue generated from the sale of gold could be used to develop Ife.

    Adedoyin noted that no single individual, be it a king or ’emese’ is bigger than the people. He enjoined Ife citizens, whose land had been taken over by illegal miners, to write their petitions to the Office of the President, Royal Brothers’ Club of Ife.

  • Mother flees after delivery, abandons baby

    A yet-to-be identified woman reportedly abandoned her baby girl and fled after delivery at a Primary Healthcare centre in Osumeyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    It was learnt that the woman abandoned her baby few minutes after delivery and absconded to an unknown destination.

    Police spokesperson Haruna Mohammed said arrangements have been concluded to hand the baby over to government orphanage.

    He said: “On Monday June 10, about 11:20am, a yet-to-be identified expectant woman who was at the point of delivery rushed to the health centre. She was quickly attended to and 15 minutes later, she was delivered of a baby girl. But shortly after the delivery, the woman abandoned the baby and disappeared, leaving the child at the mercy of the nurses.

    “Police operatives attached to Juvenile and Welfare Unit, Osumenyi division, visited the scene and efforts are on to trace the fleeing mother to bring her to justice.”

     

  • Aba residents recount losses after flood

    Residents of Aba, Abia State, are lamenting their grief after losing property worth millions in Wednesday’s rain.

    The rain, which lasted about four hours, trapped many in their shops. Many residents were forced to trek home as there were limited vehicles on the road after the rain.

    Findings showed that traders in major markets of Ariaria, Cemetery, among others, lost goods worth thousands of cash, but traders at Ahia-Ohuru market were said to be the worst hit, especially in line 10, where Mr. Obinna Ogugua reportedly lost 32 bales of clothing worth N90, 000 each.

    Other traders in the same line and adjoining lines, who were also affected, couldn’t speak but were seen evacuating submerged goods from their shops.

    The area was still submerged when our reporter visited yesterday.

    Sources at Ariaria International Market said the most affected were drug dealers.

    Residents of Ahuronye Street, Nwaogu, Mathew in the Obuda/Eziukwu and Ohanku Roads in Ndiegoro of Aba South counted their loss, saying the rain has rendered them homeless. Most of them were in the market when the rain started and could not go home to salve their belongings.

    It was learned that the timely help of some good Samaritans, who came to the aid of children in a compound after the fence caved in, prevented deaths.

    A landlord, Okechukwu Egechi, said “the experience was not new but its damage was of a different dimension”. He attributed the loss to an abandoned drainage which terminates in their area, and which collects water, thereby causing homes to be submerged when a heavy rain falls.

    He said:””We have been crying for many years now. I was around yesterday when the rain started, but when I got to my area, I couldn’t enter my house as everywhere was submerged. It’s so bad that we have people representing us who don’t even know us. They don’t adhere to our calls. I didn’t bring out anything from my house.

    “My children and tenants merely picked their clothes and moved out when the rain was getting heavier. I nearly lost my 13-year-old daughter in that flood. She was the last to leave the house as I was told but suddenly fell.

    “I know it was only God who saved her. She’s not here now because most of them are taking refuge elsewhere, but she actually swam the flood by grace of God and was rescued.”

  • ‘Kanu’s reception in Canada proves Biafra’s restoration’

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said the resounding reception accorded to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu in Canada, was a proof that the people were determined and committed to the pursuit of Biafra independence.

    The group praised Biafran veterans and Igbo groups for the respect, honour and recognition given to its leader during the event.

    A statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said Kanu had so far successfully mobilised and united Biafrans living in North America under one common purpose.

    The statement reads: “The worldwide family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) congratulates IPOB family in Canada for the turn out and awesome reception given to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on June 8 and 9 in Toronto.

    “Biafrans living in the United States of America and Canada have proven through this visit and town hall meetings that our people are determined, united and committed to the pursuit of Biafra independence as undisputedly championed by IPOB.

    “Special thanks to those who dedicated their time and energy in making sure that Kanu’s visit was successful. IPOB leadership also commend the enthusiasm, love and regard Biafrans across the board exhibited during the town hall meeting.”

    Read Also: Kanu rallies support for Biafra in US, Canada

    The group pledged continued relentless march to its preordained destination of Biafra freedom, regardless of intimidation, arrest, killings and massacre orchestrated and designed to humiliate it.

    “Kanu will continue to hold town hall meetings and private consultations in the coming weeks. His next stop is the city of Los Angeles, California, and from there to Houston, Texas, then Chicago and finally New York, where he will be rounding up this historic tour of North America.

    “We urge Biafrans both home and in the Diaspora to continue to provide strong support and security for our leader during these times. IPOB High Command and Directorate of State (DOS) are working hard and will leave no stone unturned in our agitation for the total liberation of Biafra and other oppressed peoples in Nigeria,” Powerful added.

  • IPOB’s sit-at-home order: Aba residents count losses

    To commemorate the death of soldiers who died fighting for Biafra during the Nigeria Civil War, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a group that agitates self-determination ordered a sit-at-home action on May 30 in order to remember Biafra’s fallen heroes. SUNNY NWANKWO reports that residents of Aba have been brooding over economic losses incurred while observing the order.

    Apart from Lagos State, Abia is one of the states in the country where many analysts believe can run its economy through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) it raked from markets and other commercial and economic transactions without necessarily depending on the monthly allocations from the Federal Government for the running of the state.

    Recall that since the inception of the Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration, there has been massive campaign on Aba-made leather and garment wears. The government has equally gone ahead to woo international investors to and invest in the state, a step that even spurred the Federal Government to endorse the proposed Enyimba Economic City to be sited in three local government areas of Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East and Ukwa West.

    However, while these and other efforts were being made by both the federal and state governments, the economy of the commercial town was, on May 30, shutdown following the sit-at-home order by the IPOB. The day was used to observe and remember those who died during the Nigeria Civil War.

    Heads of various security agencies, including Abia State Commissioner of Police, Eneh Okon had promised watertight security in Aba and other major towns. They urged people to go about their legitimate businesses as security agencies would treat anyone threatening the existing peace as terrorists. Despite this assurance, residents, including operators of various educational and commercial institutions stayed away from their business premises. Government workers also didn’t go to work that day.

    The usual hustling and bustling that Aba is known for suddenly disappeared on May 30. The usual gridlock on major roads, including Aba-Owerri Expressway, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway, Okigwe, Faulks and Azikiwe, among other roads that host various articulated vehicles were devoid of deafening honking from cars.

    For the security agents, they did all they could to ensure that the state was peaceful and lives and properties were not destroyed. They were happy that they were able to put IPOB and their adherents in check.

    But far from the thinking of the police and other security agencies, the agitators were happy that despite the efforts of the security agencies to prevent the day’s event, it eventually held.

    Read also: ‘IPOB sit-at-home successful in 100 countries’

    Our reporter, who monitored the compliance of Abians to the IPOB sit-at-home order in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital observed that while residents of Umuahia observed the orders of the IPOB partially, there was total compliance to the order in Aba.

    While gates of major entrances to Ariaria International Market, Aba was open for traders and their prospective customers, shop owners and their customers ignored the assurances by security agencies in Abia State. They stayed away from the market.

    Further checks, however, show that gates of other markets, including Cemetery, Ahia Ohuru, Shopping Centre, among others were locked.

    Operatives of various security agencies were spotted at strategic locations, including Azikiwe Road by Asa, Bata Junction, Umuele by Faulks Road in the two cities to forestall any breach of peace by any person or group of people who may wish to cash in on the situation to cause breakdown of law and order.

    Some eateries, financial institutions, including public and private along Aba-Owerri Road, Ikot Ekpene Expressway, Okigwe Road, among others were carrying out skeletal services, while the roads known for their bustling and hustling were devoid of human and vehicular traffic.

    A student of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba who identified himself as Godwin told our reporter that the institution had to shift their examinations which they were supposed to begin penultimate Thursday to a future date.

    Speaking on the sit-at-home order and compliance by Abians, a member of IPOB who identified himself as Bright said: “The compliance to the sit-at-home by residents of Aba was a clear indication that the people of the commercial city were behind the struggle towards the emancipation of the people of the Old Eastern Region.

    “By June 12, there is going to be a public holiday for one man and nothing is being done to remember and immortalise over one million lives that died while struggling for their emancipation.

    “Look at Rwanda today; they have come to a roundtable to discuss. They have put their past behind and have resolved to move ahead. Why does the Federal Government refuse the call for referendum where we will discuss issues bordering on unity and oneness of Nigeria and how to move forward as a people?

    “We must agree to stay together or go our separate ways. No man should stay in his house to detect for us what we should do. What are they afraid of and why are they afraid of it? It simply means that they have something that they don’t want people to know about. Why did they stop teaching of history in schools? It is a means that they used to stop the younger ones from knowing their history.

    “The realisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra is a struggle that only God can stop. No amount of propaganda by the Federal Government or its agents would dissuade our struggle for the emancipation of our people.”

    A security agent who spoke to our reporter said they were all out to ensure that there was peace and that no one capitalises on the sit-at-home directive to make the state uncomfortable and unconducive to residents and visitors.

    However, beyond the statement from the leadership of IPOB and security agents, analysts have expressed worries over the economic loss the state recorded as a result of the sit-at-home action.

    According to Sam Offor, an economist, the economic loss suffered by government and private organisation is unquantifiable, stressing that the worst hit is the Small and Medium Scale industry.

    Some of the traders equally lamented the huge loss they suffered as a result of their compliance to the sit-at-home directive.

    Speaking to our reporter, Josiah Umekwe, a businessman, who said he makes an average of N500, 000 daily said the economic loss suffered by the state government and private individuals amounts to millions of naira.

    He said: “I would have gone to open my shop that morning but for the fear of the unknown. When I later sent my boys to attend to a customer who came from Cameroun without the knowledge of the sit-at-home order, they came back with about N300, 000.

    “By and large, the IPOB sit-at-home was a big loss to the Aba business community.”

    For a member of staff of a commercial bank in Aba that spoke in confidence for security reasons, the sit-at-home order is something that government at federal and state levels should do everything to stop because it does more harm than good to their businesses.

    “Umuahia, the state capital, is more of civil servant-dominated area. But Aba is the economic base of the state. Our economic loss on that particular action of the IPOB cannot be recovered.

    “Even though we asked some customers to go to Umuahia where there was full scale operation, yet, our branch in Umuahia couldn’t make one-quarter of what we made. So, the economic loss is huge.”

  • Entrepreneurs trained on HIV self-testing

    The 4 youth by youth Innovation bootcamp organised by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Saint Louis University, New York University, and the University of North Carolina, has ended with Team SMART winning the competition and getting a N1 million reward.

    Team B-STAR won N750,000 for coming second and Team GENRA won N500,00 for coming third.

    The four-week Innovation Bootcamp was organised for young people to delve into entrepreneurship and innovation management skills, while applying basic research principles that will help encourage HIV self-testing among young people in Nigeria.

    Participants were trained on several modules, including creating strategic planning techniques, orchestrating an innovation ecosystem, developing a minimum viable product, cost models and budget plans, managing ethical issues around HIV and research, engaging with key community stakeholders and so much more.

    Read Also: Hope for HIV-positive nurse, 24 years after

    Top teams were tasked to present a 10-minute pitch deck at the event, after which they were judged based on feasibility, desirability and potential impact of their proposed innovation plan.

    I-TEST Principal Investigator Dr Juliet Iwelunmor, who spoke on the impact of the bootcamp, said: “Our ultimate goal is the young people in Nigeria, the youths, who will be the leaders and partners of the HIV self-testing in Nigeria. We just concluded our four-week boot camp where the winners of designathon were selected to get training on research, entrepreneurship, and engagement, with key stakeholders on how to promote HIV self-testing in Nigeria.”

     

  • 90 military widows trained in Enugu

    Succour has come the way of women whose soldier husbands died in service.

    Ninety of such women who were jobless and unskilled were recently trained in various trades in Enugu.

    Through the facilitators of the skill acquisition, African Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADI), the widows underwent an intensive 2 weeks training in cosmetology, tailoring, bread baking and modern catering skills.

    The training was supervised and anchored by the Enugu branch of the Nigerian Legion and the Military Widows Association.

    Speaking during the graduation and presentation of certificates ceremony, the chairman of Enugu Legion, Barr. Emeka Igwesi said skills acquired by the military widows during the training would go a long way in empowering them.

    He stressed that the military widows were not actually looking for anybody to pity them but for the authorities to “equip them to be able to fish on their own.”

    Igwesi remarked that the military widows have dependants and were not ready to fend for them through begging and would also not allow their children suffer any deprivation.

    The Legion chairman was full of praises for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state for his interest, understanding and interventions in the plight of the widows.

    The international president of ADI, Prince Dan Mbachi explained the the training was a continuous exercise and assured that more of the widows who could not benefit in this training would be captured in subsequent ones.

    He advised the beneficiaries not to waste the skill and knowledge they acquired during the training and urged them to ensure that hardworking and success are their goals.

    The National President of Military Widows Association, Mrs. Vera Aloko expressed joy that the tears of widows of “our departed fallen heroes are gradually being wiped away through your tremendous support and unending contributions.”

    She said: “And as the Chinese say ‘give a man fish, you feed him for a day but teach a man how to fish and you feed him for life’ which is the foundation for which this programme is laid.”

    She admonished the widows to maximise the use of the skills learnt and be good ambassadors of the programme.

    To the Enugu state governor, Aloko thanked him for being “a husband indeed to our widows.”

    She also thanked the legion chairman for his ”awesome support” and prayed God to openly reward for all his efforts.

    The widows president finally appealed to government agencies, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to be part the noble gesture of empowering the widows of “our fallen heroes.”

    The Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Mrs Peace Nnaji chaired the occasion.

  • Hope for environmental upgrade in Imo

    Owerri, the Imo State capital, was known as the cleanest state capital in the country. How things turned awry was surprising to the residents who want a reverse of the situation. Fortunately, things seem to be looking up as Governor Emeka Ihedioha promises environmental upgrade in Imo. OKODILI NDIDI reports that the governor, who said the government is deeply committed to a safe environment for the people, made the promise during this year’s World Environmental Day celebration.

    Owerri, the Imo State capital is said to be an eyesore. This is because of the garbage heaps which litter almost every street in the city. To many residents, Owerri now appears to be the home of refuse dumps, with an outbreak of an epidemic seriously looming if nothing is done to address the situation.

    Close to three years after the city was adjudged as one of the dirtiest cities in Nigeria, the environmental state of Owerri is yet to improve for the better. Rather, it is attracting the tag as the dirtiest state capital in the country. The city is still grappling with indiscriminate dumping of refuse and lack of sanitation exercises. But there is hope in the horizon as the state has a new governor who may remedy the situation.

    There are strong indications that environmental challenges in Imo State will get the required attention this time around.

    This much came to the fore during the 45th World Environmental Day, where the state governor, Emeka Ihedioha, who performed the tree planting ‘ritual’ to mark the global event, revealed that environmental protection will be one of the major policy thrusts of his administration.

    Speaking during the event that held at the Government House, Owerri the governor noted that the celebration was a day set aside to create awareness on the dangers posed by human activities on the environment.

    He said: “This is a day set aside for creating awareness and outreach on the dangers of today’s human activities on the environment and the urgent need to protect it for future generations. Environmental protection is a major trust of my administration”.

    Continuing, he said: “We are deeply committed to a safe environment for our people. I hope that the significance of this event will not be lost on our citizens.

    The United Nations, aware that the protection and improvement of the human environment is a major issue which affects the well-being and economic development of peoples throughout the world, designated June 5 as World Environment Day. This year’s celebration provides us with

    an opportunity as a new administration to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, businesses and communities in preserving and enhancing our environment.

    “This responsibility is binding and serious. Since 1974, the World Environment Day has grown to become a global platform for public outreach, widely celebrated in over 100 countries. What we do or fail to do with regard to our environment these days, favourably or adversely affects our future. Our children and their children will berate us if we permit the reckless abuse of our ecosystem. The world over, countries have set environmental protection agendas and milestones.

    “Responsible governments are working assiduously to actualise them. Our legislature has, over time, enacted laudable protective environmental safety laws in concert with global best practices but past administrations have failed to implement them. This government shall act differently.

    “To this end, our administration shall diligently strive to do the following, going forward, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as required by law shall become imperative for developmental projects in Imo State. All dredging activities on Nworie River and around the confluence of Nworie/Otamiri Rivers are hereby suspended until requisite EIA Reports by the dredgers are recertified.

    “The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources shall resume its regular duty of regulating

    mining activities in the state.”

    The governor also cautioned against the indiscriminate cutting down of trees, adding that, “all remaining forest reserves are to be protected, including, but not limited to the 9.68sq kilometer Ohaji Egbema Forest Reserve, Forest Reserves in Okigwe, Forest Reserves in Oguta, all

    forest reserves in Mgbidi, all forest reserves in Orlu and all other forest reserves in other parts of the state.

    “Our government shall take steps to preserve all forest reserves that have been devastated by

    past political actors and shall be recovered and preserved to their intended and original purposes.”

    The governor also promised that the ”botanical and zoological gardens shall be upgraded to Department of Wildlife and Nature Reserves in line with conventional national practices. This is to further enhance conservation of our wildlife and natural resources.

    “Imo is hereby declared an environment-friendly state. All agencies responsible for waste management must be alive to their responsibilities. All ministries, departments and agencies saddled with requisite duties and responsibilities shall henceforth initiate damage-control measures on roads and communities threatened by gully erosion and irresponsible excavations. Our administration shall undertake aggressive erosion control measures.

    “All encroachment into protected Watersheds and Green Belt Areas shall be recovered and restored in accordance with relevant laws protecting such facilities.

    “We shall embark on an aggressive waste-to-wealth programme. We shall take appropriate steps to preserve and upgrade the Nekede Zoological Garden. Our administration is determined to return Imo State to its glory as the cleanest and most environment-friendly state in Nigeria.

    This is in line with making Imo State the preferred tourist destination in Nigeria.

    “Our geo-location confers upon us an advantage which we must take and enhance, not destroy and devastate. During my time in the National Assembly, I facilitated the building of a multi-million Waste Recycling Plant at Ilile, in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area.”

  • Lecturer lights up community, 37 years after

    It was celebration galore in Isiokwe community of Akama-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State following the commissioning of an electricity project in the area.

    The joy of the residents of the community who had lived for 37 years without experiencing electricity amidst several appeals to the government knew no bound.

    It however took proactive measures of Prof. Stan Udedi, a professor of Bio-Chemistry from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and member of the community to put an end to the 37-year old blackout.

    Commissioning the project, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku described the gesture as worthy of emulation.

    He described Udedi as a goal-getter who had completed the 3 basic ideals the University system stands for which include, “Lecturing, Research and Community service”.

    Expressing optimism that the electricity project would birth more goodies for the community, Ahaneku called on well-meaning individuals to embrace community service in their various communities.

    He further urged the locals to guard the project with all sense of ownership to forestall vandalism.

    In his remark, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Imo state, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu noted that the capital project was worthy of commendation.

    Describing the benefactor as a mobilizer, Ezeonu commended all who partnered with him to put smiles on the faces of the locals.

    On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremmadu who was represented by his SA Political, Ozo Okey Ozoani extolled the selfless service of the sponsor of the project, wishing him success in his endeavors.

    The benefactor and Dean, Students Affairs in UNIZIK, Prof. Udedi regretted that the challenge of darkness had brought untold hardship to the community for over 37 years.

    In his words, “Ugwu Isiokwe community situates on hills and in valleys and this negatively affect the living conditions of the people. The lack of power until now made matters worse.

    “The event of today renews hope for greater output and productivity by the people. We are committed to continued community development and we will effectively put our resources for greater exploit in the future.”

    He expressed deep gratitude to his partners for their prompt financial and technical support towards achieving the project.

    “I am highly indebted to Sen. Ike Ekweremmadu, the Deputy Senate President, Hon. Fred Chukwudi Ezinwa, Executive Chairman Ezeagu LGA, Prof. Ahaneku and Prof. Ezeonu.

    “I equally appreciate the contributions of Engr. Nkedilim Chigbata, Dr. E.C Okoli, Engr. Geoffery Okongwu, the Onowu of Akama-Oghe & his cabinet, Rev Fr. Jacob Ugwuoke, among numerous others.”

    Highpoints of the occasion included conferment of Chieftaincy title to the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for his great contribution to the project, presentation of gift items by various groups to the sponsor.

  • IPOD sit-at-home order: Aba residents count losses

    To commemorate the death of soldiers who died fighting for Biafra during the Nigeria Civil War, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOD), a group that agitates self-determination ordered a sit-at-home action on May 30 in order to remember Biafra’s fallen heroes. SUNNY NWANKWO reports that residents of Aba have been brooding over economic losses incurred while observing the order.

    Apart from Lagos State, Abia is one of the states in the country where many analysts believe can run its economy through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) it raked from markets and other commercial and economic transactions without necessarily depending on the monthly allocations from the Federal Government for the running of the state.

    Recall that since the inception of the Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration, there has been massive campaign on Aba-made leather and garment wears. The government has equally gone ahead to woo international investors to and invest in the state, a step that even spurred the Federal Government to endorse the proposed Enyimba Economic City to be sited in three local government areas of Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East and Ukwa West.

    However, while these and other efforts were being made by both the federal and state governments, the economy of the commercial town was, on May 30, shutdown following the sit-at-home order by the IPOB. The day was used to observe and remember those who died during the Nigeria Civil War.

    Heads of various security agencies, including Abia State Commissioner of Police, Eneh Okon had promised watertight security in Aba and other major towns. They urged people to go about their legitimate businesses as security agencies would treat anyone threatening the existing peace as terrorists. Despite this assurance, residents, including operators of various educational and commercial institutions stayed away from their business premises. Government workers also didn’t go to work that day.

    The usual hustling and bustling that Aba is known for suddenly disappeared on May 30. The usual gridlock on major roads, including Aba-Owerri Expressway, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway, Okigwe, Faulks and Azikiwe, among other roads that host various articulated vehicles were devoid of deafening honking from cars.

    For the security agents, they did all they could to ensure that the state was peaceful and lives and properties were not destroyed. They were happy that they were able to put IPOB and their adherents in check.

    But far from the thinking of the police and other security agencies, the agitators were happy that despite the efforts of the security agencies to prevent the day’s event, it eventually held.

    Our reporter, who monitored the compliance of Abians to the IPOB sit-at-home order in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital observed that while residents of Umuahia observed the orders of the IPOB partially, there was total compliance to the order in Aba.

    While gates of major entrances to Ariaria International Market, Aba was open for traders and their prospective customers, shop owners and their customers ignored the assurances by security agencies in Abia State. They stayed away from the market.

    Further checks, however, show that gates of other markets, including Cemetery, Ahia Ohuru, Shopping Centre, among others were locked.

    Operatives of various security agencies were spotted at strategic locations, including Azikiwe Road by Asa, Bata Junction, Umuele by Faulks Road in the two cities to forestall any breach of peace by any person or group of people who may wish to cash in on the situation to cause breakdown of law and order.

    Some eateries, financial institutions, including public and private along Aba-Owerri Road, Ikot Ekpene Expressway, Okigwe Road, among others were carrying out skeletal services, while the roads known for their bustling and hustling were devoid of human and vehicular traffic.

    A student of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba who identified himself as Godwin told our reporter that the institution had to shift their examinations which they were supposed to begin penultimate Thursday to a future date.

    Speaking on the sit-at-home order and compliance by Abians, a member of IPOB who identified himself as Bright said: “The compliance to the sit-at-home by residents of Aba was a clear indication that the people of the commercial city were behind the struggle towards the emancipation of the people of the Old Eastern Region.

    “By June 12, there is going to be a public holiday for one man and nothing is being done to remember and immortalise over one million lives that died while struggling for their emancipation.

    “Look at Rwanda today; they have come to a roundtable to discuss. They have put their past behind and have resolved to move ahead. Why does the Federal Government refuse the call for referendum where we will discuss issues bordering on unity and oneness of Nigeria and how to move forward as a people?

    “We must agree to stay together or go our separate ways. No man should stay in his house to detect for us what we should do. What are they afraid of and why are they afraid of it? It simply means that they have something that they don’t want people to know about. Why did they stop teaching of history in schools? It is a means that they used to stop the younger ones from knowing their history.

    “The realisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra is a struggle that only God can stop. No amount of propaganda by the Federal Government or its agents would dissuade our struggle for the emancipation of our people.”

    A security agent who spoke to our reporter said they were all out to ensure that there was peace and that no one capitalises on the sit-at-home directive to make the state uncomfortable and unconducive to residents and visitors.

    However, beyond the statement from the leadership of IPOB and security agents, analysts have expressed worries over the economic loss the state recorded as a result of the sit-at-home action.

    According to Sam Offor, an economist, the economic loss suffered by government and private organisation is unquantifiable, stressing that the worst hit is the Small and Medium Scale industry.

    Some of the traders equally lamented the huge loss they suffered as a result of their compliance to the sit-at-home directive.

    Speaking to our reporter, Josiah Umekwe, a businessman, who said he makes an average of N500, 000 daily said the economic loss suffered by the state government and private individuals amounts to millions of naira.

    He said: “I would have gone to open my shop that morning but for the fear of the unknown. When I later sent my boys to attend to a customer who came from Cameroun without the knowledge of the sit-at-home order, they came back with about N300, 000.

    “By and large, the IPOB sit-at-home was a big loss to the Aba business community.”

    For a member of staff of a commercial bank in Aba that spoke in confidence for security reasons, the sit-at-home order is something that government at federal and state levels should do everything to stop because it does more harm than good to their businesses.

    “Umuahia, the state capital, is more of civil servant-dominated area. But Aba is the economic base of the state. Our economic loss on that particular action of the IPOB cannot be recovered.

    “Even though we asked some customers to go to Umuahia where there was full scale operation, yet, our branch in Umuahia couldn’t make one-quarter of what we made. So, the economic loss is huge.”