Business and academic activities came to a standstill in Umuahia and Aba on Friday as residents largely complied with the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Day.

The sit-at-home directive, according to IPOB, was meant to honor fallen heroes. The impact was visible across major sectors in both cities, with commercial activities significantly reduced throughout most of the day.

In Umuahia, the state capital, government offices recorded low staff turnout, with some completely locked. Markets in both Umuahia and Aba saw minimal activity as many traders opted to stay away from their shops. The few who opened for business did so with caution.

Educational institutions were particularly affected, with most public and private primary and secondary schools in Umuahia reporting almost no attendance. Banks across the capital city remained closed, with security personnel advising the few customers who showed up to use alternative banking channels or return the following week.

The Umuahia North Local Government headquarters on Bende Road was locked, while Isi Gate, normally Umuahia's busiest commercial area, saw only a handful of traders attempting to conduct business.

Transportation services were similarly disrupted, with major motor parks in both cities appearing deserted as inter-state travel came to a near halt.

Despite the widespread compliance with the sit-at-home order, Umuahia remained peaceful throughout the day, with no reports of violence. Members of the Abia State joint security outfit, Operation Crush, maintained a visible presence, patrolling the streets to ensure law and order.

By 3:00 pm, the situation began to normalize as more shop owners and transporters gradually resumed operations, bringing some life back to the previously quiet streets.

The annual observance of Biafra Day commemorates the declaration of the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, which led to the Nigerian Civil War that lasted until January 1970.