Streets across Anambra State were completely deserted on Friday as residents observed the annual Biafra Day remembrance, with businesses, schools, and government offices remaining closed despite police assurances of security.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had declared May 30 as a sit-at-home day across the South-East region to commemorate Biafra Day, resulting in widespread compliance throughout Anambra State.

Observations in Awka, the state capital, revealed that motor parks, markets, shops, schools, banks, and government offices were all under lock and key. Only a few vehicles were spotted on the roads, while public spaces remained largely empty of human activity.

This occurred despite earlier assurances from the Anambra State Police Command that adequate security would be provided, with officers deployed to strategic locations across the state. The police had urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear.

Fear Drives Compliance Despite Absence of Threats

A resident of Awka, Mr. Moses Ezeh, attributed the widespread compliance to lingering fear from previous years' experiences rather than current threats.

"I think it is just fear that is keeping people at home. The deserted nature of the streets today is just because of fear of what had happened in previous years, where IPOB used to threaten to deal with anyone who dared to disobey their order for people to stay at home," Ezeh explained.

He noted that this year's observance was notably different due to the absence of public threats or violent enforcement, attributing this to the continued detention of key separatist leaders.

"In this year's exercise, we did not witness threats from Kanu as he is still in DSS custody. Also, Ekpa who took over from him after his arrest in 2021, has also been arrested and detained in Finland. So, there was no one to incite people into violent enforcement of the exercise. It was just fear that kept people in their homes," he added.

The situation was reportedly similar across other towns and villages in Anambra State, with residents confirming that business activities were grounded in their respective locations.

This year's Biafra Day remembrance comes amid continued calls from IPOB for South-East governors to declare May 30 a public holiday, though no state government has officially recognized the day.