Enugu and Owerri were virtually on lockdown Friday as residents observed the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in commemoration of the 2025 Biafra Day.
According to a report by Saturday PUNCH, businesses, schools, markets, government offices, and even fuel stations were closed in compliance with the directive across the South-East. Major streets in Enugu—such as Gariki, Agbani Road, Zik’s Avenue, Ogbete Market, and Abakpa—were largely deserted, with security operatives maintaining patrols to ensure law and order.
Public institutions including the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) remained closed, while residents reported staying indoors for fear of violence or disruption.
Speaking anonymously, several residents said the lockdown has become an annual tradition driven by fear of possible attacks. One resident, Sunday Ejike, criticized South-East political leaders for not officially recognizing May 30 as a regional public holiday.
“There’s nothing wrong if our leaders declare May 30 a public holiday in honour of our fallen heroes. If it were the South-West, they would have lobbied the Federal Government for a national holiday,” Ejike said.
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In Owerri, Imo State, the scenario was similar. Despite earlier warnings from the state police urging people to go about their normal activities, the sit-at-home directive was widely obeyed. Commercial areas such as Wetheral, Douglas, and Tetlow roads appeared completely empty.
Imo Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, warned residents against taking actions that could disturb public peace. He stated that security agencies, including the Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and FRSC, were strategically deployed across the 27 Local Government Areas.
“Joint security operatives are currently undertaking show-of-force patrols across the state to deter criminal elements and reassure the public,” he said.
This annual Biafra Day lockdown highlights the growing tension and unresolved political grievances in the region, even as calls for official recognition persist.
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