In compliance with the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, stayed indoors on Thursday.
Despite police assurances of safety, shops, markets, and both public and private offices were closed, halting economic activities. The usually busy streets and major roads were empty, with only a few people seen at bus stops.
Our correspondent, who toured the metropolis, noted that the city was largely deserted as many residents chose to stay home rather than risk going out.
However, there was a notable exception as a few students taking the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams were seen cautiously heading to schools as early as 7:30 am.