Residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, have disclosed that fear remains the primary reason they observed the May 30 Biafra Day sit-at-home order, despite assurances from police regarding adequate security measures.

During a street monitoring exercise conducted by our correspondent, residents who remained within their compounds explained that their compliance stemmed from concerns about potential attacks by unknown gunmen who might use the occasion to perpetrate violence.

Ferdinand Nzukoka, a barbing salon owner, revealed that criminal elements often disguise themselves as enforcers of the sit-at-home order to rob people of their belongings and sometimes inflict injuries on them.

"If you choose to go out for your daily activities, there are possibilities that you may not return safely, or you might encounter unfortunate incidents," Nzukoka stated. He recounted a personal experience where security officers wrongfully labeled him as an IPOB member during a previous sit-at-home day, resulting in torture before his eventual release despite no incriminating evidence being found on him.

Odinakachi Nduka, a mobile phone repairer and accessories dealer at Tetlow, described the dilemma faced by residents: "If you're arrested by security agencies, you'll be accused of attempting to breach public peace, and if you encounter unknown gunmen, you'll be accused of disobeying the sit-at-home order."

"Looking at both scenarios, it's safer to remain at home with your family until the day passes," he explained.

Olukoma Njoku, an eatery owner, acknowledged the economic impact of the situation, noting that "any moment wasted is money lost." However, she emphasized that "life is paramount and must be protected at any cost. Even though sitting at home benefits no one, when life is at stake, sacrificing one day is necessary."

Call for Government Intervention

A housewife identified as Mrs. Njoku suggested that the Federal Government should take ownership of Biafra Day by declaring it a public holiday to honor those killed after the January 15, 1966 coup and during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.

She argued that such official recognition would remove control from agitators who currently enforce the observance. "There is nothing wrong in observing the day," she maintained.

Our correspondent reported that the sit-at-home order effectively shut down Owerri, with shops, markets, schools, and government establishments remaining closed throughout the day. Major roads within the capital territory were devoid of vehicular movement, highlighting the widespread compliance driven by security concerns rather than ideological support.