Enugu and Owerri cities stood still on Friday as residents complied with a sit-at-home directive by IPOB and MASSOB to mark “2025 Biafra Day,” honoring fallen secessionist heroes. Key commercial and government districts—including Gariki, Ogbete Market, Wethedral Road, and Douglas Road—were deserted, with banks, schools, markets, and offices shut. Security forces patrolled empty streets in both capitals despite police appeals for normalcy.
Residents cited fear of violence as the primary reason for compliance, though some used the day for rest. In Enugu, Sunday Ejike advocated for official recognition: “South-East leaders should declare May 30 a public holiday… Western leaders would demand national recognition.” Owerri traders anonymously admitted avoiding business to protect their premises.
Imo Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed joint security deployments across the state but acknowledged widespread adherence to the order.
