Economic and social activities came to a halt in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Friday as residents complied with a sit-at-home order despite warnings from the police to ignore the directive.
The order, traditionally enforced by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is observed annually on May 30 to honour fallen Biafran heroes.
This year, the city witnessed widespread compliance, with major roads, markets, schools, and government offices completely deserted.
Key commercial areas such as Wetheral, Douglas, and Tetlow roads were empty, with no sign of business activity. Banks, schools, and even roadside vendors remained closed.
No commercial vehicles were seen operating, and many civil servants stayed home.
Residents, including traders who spoke anonymously, said they stayed indoors to avoid any possible attacks or disruptions, even as a significant number of security personnel were deployed across the state.
In response to the situation, the Imo State Police Command had earlier issued a warning against complying with the order.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye reiterated that residents should disregard the sit-at-home threat, which he said was issued by IPOB and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Okoye stated that extensive security measures had been put in place by the police and other security agencies, including the Army, Air Force, DSS, Civil Defence, Road Safety Corps, Immigration, and Fire Service.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, along with other top security commanders such as Brigadier General M. I. Abbas (34 Artillery Brigade), DSS Director Olushola Aguda, and Air Commodore D. E. Bello, had initiated coordinated efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.
He added that joint security teams were actively conducting patrols and show-of-force operations across all 27 local government areas to deter potential threats and boost public confidence.