A wave of violence swept through the South East geopolitical zone yesterday, resulting in numerous deaths, including soldiers, amid the enforcement of a sit-at-home order by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Reports indicate that the rampage involved the burning of vehicles and Keke Napep.
IPOB had previously declared a sit-at-home on May 30 to observe what they termed ‘Biafra Heroes Day’, a commemoration observed annually in the region. Consequently, major streets in Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra states were deserted as commercial activities ground to a halt across the region.
In Abia State, a chilling video captured masked gunmen attacking military personnel at Obikabia junction, Aba, setting their patrol van ablaze. A voice in the video remarked, “This army man is the only surviving person here. He was the only person that ran away.” Another voice was heard asking if anyone had a motorcycle.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants operated with an SUV jeep and a Sienna bus. While casualties were reported during the confrontation, the exact count remains unconfirmed.
In Enugu State’s Igboeze South, another video depicted vehicles and tricycles engulfed in flames. Meanwhile, in Imo State’s Okwe community, two individuals, including former councillor Nbechi Ndu, were reportedly shot dead during the sit-at-home.
The impact of the violence reverberated across communities, with banks, markets, shops, and corporate establishments closed. Residents expressed fear for their safety, with one remarking, “It was better to sit at home than to go to his shop and meet his death.” Another vowed to continue obeying IPOB’s directives.
Ebonyi State witnessed total compliance with the sit-at-home order, leading to the closure of banks, schools, markets, and government offices. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state postponed its delegate congress election due to the situation.
The military, reacting to the attacks, emphasized the unacceptability of assaults on troops, underscoring the importance of citizen support in the fight against insecurity. Major-General Edward Buba condemned the incidents, cautioning against actions that could undermine national security and troop morale. He urged citizens to report any misconduct by troops, emphasizing the need for unity in combating common threats.