By Nwanosike Onu, Awka; Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu; Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki; Chris Njoku, Owerri and Emma Elekwa, Onitsha
Two people were feared killed in Enugu State yesterday as enforcers of the sit-at-home exercise attacked an inter-state motor park.
The hoodlums, who fired gunshots as they dispersed passengers, also burnt a Siena car.
Some passengers and drivers received gunshot injuries as they ran for their dear lives.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had called off the exercise which it earlier announced to protest the detention of its leader Nnamdi Kanu, but hoodlums who claim to be members have been violently enforcing the directive.
The Army had accused IPOB of deception, saying the sit-at-home suspension was a ruse.
The driver of the Sienna, who pleaded not to be named, said the assailants stormed the park while he was still waiting for passengers.
The driver, who begins work very early every Monday, said he was standing a distance from his vehicle when the gunmen arrived in a minibus.
He said he thought they were armed robbers.
“By the time I looked back to see what was happening, my Sienna was up in flames.
“I learned that about two persons were shot dead during the attack,” the driver said.
In Anambra State, business and commercial activities were again grounded in major cities.
There was no human and vehicular movement in Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and other adjoining towns as major roads and streets were deserted.
Markets, parks and banks in the areas did not open for business.
Business activities in Awka, the state capital, were minimal despite Governor Charles Soludo’s best efforts.
Few shops in the popular Eke-Awka and Nkwo Amaenyi opened with few roadside traders cautiously displaying their wares.
Petrol stations and banks along the expressway were locked.
Government establishments and offices were closed.
In Imo State, roads in Owerri, the state capital, were largely deserted, with few commercial vehicles seen.
Banks and some business centres were closed.
But residents of Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, ignored the exercise.
Businesses, including banks and petrol stations, opened like any other weekday, as well as schools.
Eateries, markets, malls and other businesses were open for business in all parts of the city, especially along Ogoja road, Water walks street and Afikpo road.
Intracity transport was available as commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators were at work.
The Margaret Umahi International Market was in full swing.
Most government offices were open at the Ochudo secretariat.
However, transport companies did not offer services to other states but operated within Onueke, ÊkwÍ and Afikpo.
Ebonyi residents have long stopped observing the Monday sit-at-howe following its cancellation by IPOB.