The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Sit at Home

  • Sit-at-Home: Unknown gunmen raze cement truck in Enugu

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be enforcing the sit-at-home order, on Monday, razed a Dangote’s truck fully loaded with cement at Beach Junction, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    Residents of the area who pleaded for anonymity told Vanguard that the incident happened at about 5:30 AM when most people were still in bed.

    Though, no life was lost in the incident, Vanguard equally gathered that the gunmen beat up the driver thoroughly before allowing him to go.Sit-at-Home: Unknown gunmen raze cement truck in Enugu

    “I was alerted by the screaming of someone who I later understood to be the driver of the truck. The next thing I saw was huge smoke emanating from the razed truck,” a source told Vanguard in confidence.

    At the scene of the incident, Vanguard observed that the tank region of the truck was still in flames, though sympathisers have doused the fire to prevent it from consuming the cement estimated to be over millions of naira.

    Vanguard equally observed that sympathisers who gathered at the scene of the incident were upset when a team of police personnel patrolling the area whisked away a young man for recording the video of the burning truck with his phone.

    However, suspecting that the crowd of sympathisers were surging towards the direction of their van to rescue the young man, the police personnel zoomed off the scene with their prey.

    At press time, all efforts to get the reaction of the spokesperson of Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, proved abortive.

    (Vanguard)

  • Sit at Home enforcers wreck havoc in S/East

     

     

    The enforcement of the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, took a bloody twist yesterday in Nsukka as gunmen enforcing the order killed two persons at Nkpologwu, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

     

    Three persons were also injured in the attack.

    The sit-at-home, which grounded the entire South East zone, was in solidarity with the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was brought to court in Abuja yesterday.

     

    The attack at Nkpologu occurred as early morning worshipers at St Theresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Awada Onitsha, had a raw deal in the hands of gunmen who claimed to be enforcers of the sit-at-home stormed the church and ordered the worshipers to disperse.

     

    This is even as the enforcers created tension in Aba, Abia State, as suspected members of IPOB, enforcing the sit-at-home order chased motorists and residents away.

    Meantime, the detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, accused the Federal Government of deliberately denying him the necessary facilities to defend the treasonable felony charge it preferred against him.

     

    Gunmen kill 2 in Enugu, injure 3 others

    A senior security personnel in the local government who confirmed this incident to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said the incident happened close to Adada Dam in Nkpologwu.

    The source explained that one of the victims, identified as ‘Deri Nwa Mama,’ from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, was a member of the Neighbourhood Watch group in Opanda Community, also in the council area.

     

    The source explained that the body of ‘Deri Nwa Mama,’ was burnt after he was killed by the gunmen.

    Vanguard gathered that three other victims were tied to trees within the scene of the incident and given severe machete cuts.

    “Unknown gunmen have just shot two persons dead at Nkpologwu. We are on our way to recover their remains as I speak with you. Three others were tied on trees within the area and given severe machete cuts. It happened close to Adada Dam,” the source said.

    When contacted, the spokesperson of Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, said he was in a meeting and could not respond to enquires.

     

    Enforcers storm Catholic Church, disperse worshipers

    The boys, wielding sticks said they were members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, adding that the worshipers had no reason to step out of their houses on a day the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu was appearing in court.

     

    A female worshiper who said her house is three buildings from the church said the invasion of the church by the boys caused pandemonium as many people ran helter-skelter, adding that it was the wisdom of the parish priest and the celebrant at the Mass that saved the situation.

    She said: “This morning (yesterday) I went for the 5:30 am morning Mass in my church, St Theresa of Calcutta Parish in Awada, it is close to Ukaegbu junction.

    “We were halfway into the Mass when some group of boys suspected to be members of IPOB entered the church. They were carrying sticks and cans and went straight to the alter.

     

    “They approached our parish priest, Rev Fr Joseph, and asked him why he was celebrating Mass on a day their master was going to court. They were quite a number of them and were visibly angry.

     

    “Everybody in the church took to their heels. There would have been a stampede because there were a lot of people in the morning Mass today. I ran to a building close to the church.

    “Father Joseph told them we were holding Mass today to pray for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. He used diplomacy to talk to them, and even asked them if they were really for Ndi Igbo or against Ndi Igbo? They now said okay and if that was so, the people in the church were for them.

    “They called back everyone to continue the Mass since they were convinced that the church people were Biafrans.

    “Some of us were so afraid that we could not return, so we went home from there. They apologized to the priest and left.

    “The same group went out and saw a tricycle rider. Nobody knew why the man was outside because on sit-at-home days, one hardly saw tricycles outside. They beat up the man and set his tricycle ablaze”.

    It was gathered that as the information of what happened at the church went round, many people who tried to travel very early to beat the sit at home, had to turn back.

     

    Suspected IPOB members attack motorists, traders in Abia

    Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the suspected IPOB members dressed in black attire with face masks had attacked motorists and roadside traders at the Okigwe road and Ama Ogbonna areas.

    There was a stampede at the ever-busy Ama Ogbonna junction as some Keke operators who had gone out early morning were chased away.

    The news of the attack spread through the city forcing motorists and roadside traders who had already started a business to scamper to safety.

    All the markets in the city like the Ariaria International, Ngwa road, Cemetery, Ekeoha, and Aba Waterside were all deserted as traders stayed away. The waterside slaughter was alleged to have received a letter from unknown persons warning butchers not to open the slaughter or risk attack. Motor parks, schools, filling stations and banks and government offices were also shut.

     

    Kanu kicks against fresh charge, accuses FG of engaging in trial by ambush

    Kanu, through his team of lawyers led by led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, decried that over one month after his case was fixed for trial, FG, chose to amend the charge against him, barely 24 hours to the scheduled court hearing.

    Ozekhome, SAN, who appeared to take over Kanu’s defence team on Tuesday, told the court that FG served the 15-count amended charge on them, late in the evening on Monday.

    “My lord, the proposed amended charge was served on us yesterday evening. As I speak to you my lord, the Defendant who was just brought in has not even seen the charge which he is being told to enter his plea.

    “With due respect, that is not Justice. It is ambushing. I know that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, allows them to amend, but this is the 6th amendment they are making, and each time they do it, they serve us a day to the hearing, just to frustrate the trial”, Ozekhome lamented.

    Besides, he noted that the proof of evidence, as well as extra-judicial statements of witnesses, were not attached to the amended charge.

    He argued that his client must be furnished with such “evidential materials”, before he could be called upon to enter his defence to the charge, stressing that going ahead with the proceeding, would amount to a breach of Kanu’s right to fair hearing guaranteed under section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    Ozekhome further complained that contrary to an earlier order of the court, the Department of State Services, DSS, repeatedly denied the IPOB leader, access to his visitors and lawyers.

    “My lord, on December 21 when I visited him, I was totally stripped of everything, including my wristwatch and socks. I had to joke with them that they should also remove my pant.

    “They have also taken his blood samples over 21 times and yet, till now, they have not told him what is wrong.

    “The Defendant has seizures occasionally. We don’t want him to die, we want him to be alive to stand his trial”, Ozekhome added.

    On his part, the Prosecution team, led by Mr. Shuaibu Labaran from the Federal Ministry of Justice, said he was not opposed to the court granting a short adjournment to enable the defence lawyers to study the charge.

    He however told the court that the charge was served on the Defendant around 9:45 am on Monday.

    “Because we are not persecutors but prosecution, we are not opposed to his request for time”, Labaran added.

    Meanwhile, following Ozekhome’s complaint, trial Justice Binta Nyako, before adjourning the case till Wednesday, ordered the DSS to allow Kanu to have a change of cloth.

    “I don’t want to see him in this cloth again. This one is almost off-white. Also, make sure that you allow him to exercise and give him a good mattress”, Justice Nyako ordered.”

    Ozekhome had in a brief chat with Vanguard, said his decision to take over Kanu’s defence, was based on the fact that he is facing an incompetent charge.

    “Right to self-determination is inalienable. It is guaranteed under both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African Charter on Peoples’ Rights. I am here today because I believe that the charge against Defendant is baseless”, he added.

     

    FG’s amended charges against Kanu can’t stand—Ejimakor

    Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday dismissed the latest move by the federal government to increase the count charge against Kanu from seven to 17 as a dilatory tactic to buy time.

    Ejimakor who took to his Twitter handle lampooned the federal government and said that the move which came so late could not stand.

    He argued that the extraordinary rendition of the IPOB Leader “is a perpetual barrier to his prosecution.

    “The latest amendment coming so late on the eve of the trial smacks of dilatory tactics.

    “Ultimately, these changes won’t stick because the extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a perpetual barrier to his prosecution. You can’t put something on nothing. That’s the law”, Ejimakor tweeted.

     

    S-East completely grounded

    The entire southeast was yesterday, completely grounded, following the sit-at-home order.

    Reports from across the states showed that all markets, rural and urban in major cities were shut down, while inter and intracity vehicular movement completely ceased.

     

    Reports reaching Vanguard showed everywhere was grounded.

    From Enugu to Ebonyi; to Anambra, Imo and Abia, the story is the same.

    In Imo, a native of the community and former Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ferdinand Ibecheodo, said: “I was at the village market Ekeukwu a few minutes ago (yesterday), to buy bread when somèbody came and asked everybody to leave. He said it was a bit of advice and that in one hour’s time, a group would come and it would not be a tea party.

    “Similarly, the popular Orie Mbaise, at the border of Lorji and Ife, a weekly market, where the people buy and sell, is like a graveyard. The lockdown is total in our area.”

    In Owerri municipality, markets, filling stations, schools, as well as most government offices and establishments, remained under lock and key.

     

    Dry roads as residents lockdown Umuahia

    In Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State was a ghost town as residents remained indoors.

    From the morning hours till the time of filing this report, economic and commercial activities were paralyzed as markets are street shops in the capital city remained shut down.

    The roads were also dry except for occasional vehicular and human movements.

    Schools did not open as teachers and parents stayed back home with their children while banks also remained shut down.

    The exercise was, however, peaceful as there was no incidence of a security breach in any part of the state.

     

    Residents stay indoors in Ebonyi

    In Ebonyi, the usual human and vehicular movements were not recorded as people were hardly seen outside their homes carrying out one activity or the other.

    Most schools, both private and public did not open for academic activities. Banks, filling stations, shopping malls, shops along major streets, motor parks, POS centres, mechanic workshops, among others did not open as at the time of this report.

     

    Total compliance in Onitsha, Nnewi

    Onitsha the commercial city and Nnewi the industrial town of Anambra State, yesterday totally complied with the sit-at-home directed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to protest the extrajudicial rendition and trial of its leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Nigeria.

    Federal and State government institutions, in the state, were under lock and key including hospitals that rendered skeletal services particularly patents under admission in them.

    Street markets and roadside shops in the two business towns were all closed as petty traders and hawkers of edibles were nowhere to be seen.

    Enugu, Imo streets deserted

    Enugu metropolis and other parts of Enugu State witnessed total lockdown on Tuesday as residents observed another sit-at-home order.

    Vanguard also monitored Owerri metropolis and saw that both human and vehicular movements were not in operation.

    Also, banks, shops, markets, and schools obeyed the sit-at-home order of the IPOB.

    Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN stronghold in Anambra

    Meantime, the Nigerian Army said its troops in joint operations conducted with other security agencies have dislodged a stronghold of IPOB and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    A statement by Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations said “The operations, which was conducted in the early hours of Monday 17 January 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a firefight that ensued.”

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.vanguardngr.com

  • Treat Sit-at-home enforcers as criminals, IPOB tells Government

    Treat Sit-at-home enforcers as criminals, IPOB tells Government

     

    THE Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, told South-East governors and members of the public to as a matter of urgency, deal decisively with criminals still enforcing Monday weekly sit-at-home.

    IPOB also lamented what it called the senseless shooting in Enugu State on Monday which it alleged was done by hoodlums and cultists recruited and sponsored by some evil politicians in the state who derive joy in spilling the blood of their fellow citizens.

    This came as the chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi said he backs a political solution to Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration.

    This is even as the Ebonyi State Police Command, yesterday, confirmed the killing of a member of the southeast security outfit code-named EbubeAgu in the state. The victim, Ifeanyi Orogbo, 32, was murdered and partially burnt by his assailants.

    Meantime, residents of the Okigwe local government area yesterday said they now live in fear as a result of the activities of bandits and kidnappers.

    ‘Treat anybody enforcing sit-at-home as criminal’

    A statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, entitled, South-East Governors, members of the public should deal decisively with criminals enforcing Monday sit-at-home” said that IPOB has severally explained that it has not authorized anybody to enforce Monday sit-at-home which has been suspended since August 19, 2021.

    The pro-Biafra group also told the South-East Governors and the general public to treat as a criminal, anybody unleashing terror on innocent citizens under the guise of enforcing sit-at-home order because they do not deserve pity.

    IPOB’s statement read: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been drawn to the senseless shooting in Enugu State on Monday by hoodlums and cultists recruited and sponsored by some evil politicians in the state who derive joy in spilling the blood of their fellow citizens.

    “We have severally explained that IPOB has not authorized anybody to enforce Monday sit-at-home, which has been suspended since August 19, 2021. Anybody unleashing terror on innocent citizens under the guise of enforcing sit-at-home order is a criminal and does not deserve pity.

    “Despite the suspension of Monday Sit-At-Home since 19th of August 2021, some unscrupulous elements and criminals conniving with security agencies and our enemies, have continued to inflict pain on our people. Their aim is to blackmail IPOB, but they will continue to fail.

    “Now, we want to inform our people to stand firm in the fight for their liberty. IPOB did not ask anybody to enforce sit-at-home of any kind. Henceforth, ESN operatives will come from the bushes and forests and go after these criminals unleashing mayhem on innocent people and visitors to Biafra land in the name of enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home order.

    “We, therefore, urge Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to deal decisively with any hoodlum using Monday sit-at-home to torture innocent citizens/residents of the state.

    “No genuine member of IPOB or ESN operative is involved in any enforcement of Monday sit-at-home order. Anybody doing so is working against Biafra restoration and for a criminal group.

    “We equally call on our people and members of the public to skin alive, any idiot caught inflicting sorrow on the people in the name of enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home order. Such an evil soul and messenger of death doesn’t deserve to live.

    “Those shooting sporadically in the market are criminals and bandits using the name of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and ESN to humiliate our people and demonize the movement. Their aim is to give the federal government excuse to hold our leader perpetually in detention.

    “ESN operatives are ready and poised to confront criminals creating these problems in the name of ESN and IPOB in the region. We have suspended Monday Sit-At-Home a long time ago, and we have not rescinded that decision. Biafrans must be strong to withstand our enemies and their collaborators every Monday.

    “IPOB was not formed to terrorise people. We remain peaceful and focused on the pursuit of Biafra freedom and independence. Governor Ugwuanyi and other Governors in the region must provide security for our people on Mondays because ESN is now ready to confront these criminals.

    “Nobody should link IPOB or ESN with these bunch of criminals acting in our region and those enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home order. How can we stop sit-at-home and turning around to compel people to observe it?

    “We are not hypocrites and we must come out victorious. The media should stop linking IPOB and ESN with the criminals behind this sad development. They are not our members and we can never accommodate this kind of criminals in our movement and family of IPOB.”

    Political Solution for Nnamdi Kanu–Umahi

    Similarly, the chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Engineer Dave Umahi has made case for a political solution to Kanu’s incarceration.

    Speaking with Journalists in Abuja after declaring for the 2023 Presidency, Umahi said: “Let me also add that as the chairman of Southeast Governors Forum, that I support a political solution to our insecurity problems in the southeast. And of course, I mentioned it to Mr President

    “You see, the political solution does not terminate the judicial process. And if you know Mr President very well, he has always said and has always demonstrated that he wouldn’t interfere with any judicial process. Everybody knows him for that. But you remember very well, that if an agreement is reached between parties, you don’t expect Mr President to be the negotiator. There are a lot of federal government officials.

    “So, I believe strongly that if the southeast is proposing for a political solution, they should be able to engage the federal government. After all, there’s always what is called out-of-court settlement but it is for our people and our brother Kanu to be willing for us to truly engage so that we can find true peace in our region because the activities there have destroyed a lot of the economy of the people. A lot of lives have been lost and we were shooting it that it wasn’t going to benefit (anyone) because agitation shouldn’t have gone the way it did.

    IPOB fighting criminals

    Umahi said further: “Today, the matter has gone beyond them. You know, every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tend to claim IPOB and IPOB, in turn, is fighting them. But I think, it is late. So, we desire peace, we desire to save the lives of our people. And so, we are willing to engage, to see that we have an amicable settlement. And you know, rebuild the economy of South East.”

    Reminded that this should be the starting point of his engagement, he said: “You see, the leaders of the southeast, of course, not all of them, they must be selected leaders, Ohanaeze and Chief Mbazurluike Amechi are already in the forefront and we can find true peace in our region.

    “They have always been briefing me and so, I’ve joined them. That could be the starting point, and we will be able to know what we want. We want peace. And so, there are things we must give up in order to acquire that peace.

    “If we are not being fairly treated, and some people feel we are not being fairly treated, we should be able to, constructively show to the federal government, the areas we think that we are not being fairly treated, not through hate speeches, not through violence. I don’t believe in these things because even in homes, in families, the wife or husband or children, we still have one thing or the other against the family but they should be able to discuss.”

    Asked if he shared his thoughts with the President on the IPOB leader and what his response was, he said: “If you listen to me very well, Mr President has never been in disagreement for peace or anything that will bring peace.

    “But you must allow him, you know, for what he believes in and for his pedigree and integrity, not to interfere with the judiciary, but it is up to us because the by-product of our discussion and negotiation is such that we can now go to court and seek for out of court settlement and whatever is the agreement becomes the settlement of the court.

    “So, I believe strongly that a political solution would be far better than the process which may last for a very long time.”

    Speaking on why he was at the State House, he said: “Recall that in September, I came to see Mr President to invite him to Ebonyi State to commission some of our completed projects, and lay foundations stones for some of our ongoing projects, especially the Ebonyi State International Airport.

    “But while we were in Paris together, I asked him to defer the visit to the first quarter of 2022, which he graciously approved for me. So today, I came to re-invite him to come and commission our numerous projects in Ebonyi State on March 15, 2022. So we are working on that.

    “I also briefed the President on the ongoing international airport of Ebonyi State of which I requested for his assistance. It’s taking due process. And I believe that Mr President, if he finds merit in it will definitely assist us to purchase airport equipment to enable us to commission the airport about the end of May 2022.”

     

     

     

     

    source: www.vanguardngr.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Vehicle conveying foodstuff set ablaze by suspected delinquent Sit-at-Home enforcers

     

    A vehicle conveying tomatoes and vegetables was, yesterday, set ablaze by persons suspected to be enforcing IPOB’s sit-at-home order in Enugu.

     

    The attack at Edem junction, Ibeagwa Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, involved a truck suspected to be coming from the northern part of the country.

     

     

    Sympathisers were said to have put a call to the state fire service prompting a quick response by the Ogui Road Fire Service station to the scene.

     

    It was observed that commercial activities continued to be affected despite IPOB’s suspension of the order. Major markets in Enugu, including Ogbete and Abakpa markets, banks and petrol stations were shut.

     

    Leadership of the IPOB have repeatedly announced an end to the Monday sit-at-home but some hoodlums have insisted it must continue until Nnamdi Kanu is released. This has resulted in violent attacks on soft targets especially commercial vehicles.

     

     

    In spite of the relaxation of the order, residents of Aba, Abia State, observed what many described as self-imposed sit-at-home, turning the commercial city into a ghost town.

     

    Reports indicated that residents of Aba stayed at home out of fear of the unknown.

     

    The city was said to have been deserted, particularly in the morning hours except the suburbs where commercial tricycle operators provided skeletal services.

     

    Banks in the city shut their gates to customers, as markets although opened, but there were no traders.

     

    Filling stations were all closed, the city was deserted as human and vehicular movements were restricted to the suburbs.

     

    Schools closed their gates, forcing teachers, students and pupils to stay at home.

     

    The state capital of Umuahia, however, witnessed a different story as the city bubbled more than it had in previous Mondays since the now suspended sit-at-home was announced about two months ago. People came out in their numbers on the streets indicating that life had fully returned to the city.

     

    Banks opened for business, workers went to work, businesses bubbled in the various markets in the city, even as there were human and vehicular movements.

     

    Students and pupils went to school while filling stations opened for business.

     

    Some residents who spoke to Daily Sun expressed joy that life has returned to Umuahia on Mondays which they described as the prime day of the week in business activities.

     

    Meanwhile, IPOB has raised the alarm over alleged plot by bandits sponsored to attack the South East.

     

    Its Media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, disclosed in a statement while reacting to a media statement credited to one Shekau who claimed that IPOB was plotting to attack its own people in the east.

     

    Powerful claimed that it was only a distraction and cover-up to pave way for the purported terrorists group’s invasion of the South East and South South.

     

    “Contrary to the vomit by this inconsequential fellow, IPOB has no plans to attack South Easterners and South Southerners. In the first place, violence is not part of our philosophy.

     

    “Assuming we want to resort to violence, how can we attack our people who we are fighting for; it does not make any sense. But we know their motive for peddling this falsehood as our intelligent report confirm the importation and stockpilling of arms from Pakistan for their planned invasion of Biafraland but we are waiting for them.

     

    “We are so astonished that a terrorist like Shekau without surname will be the one telling Biafran people to hate their own while he and his kinsmen openly protect their own terrorists and bandits maiming and killing them in the the entire Northern region,” Powerful stated.

     

    Also, the group denied speculations making the rounds that it had declared ‘no election’ in Anambra State even as the scheduled date draws near. The group said no official pronouncement has been made to that effect.

     

    It explained that such was not their priority for now but to actualise its struggle for Biafra nation just as it warned against equating the group with Boko Haram and bandits, maintaining that such comparison can only be be mischievous.

     

    “It is a pity that this ignoble fellow and attention seeker compared a non-violent movement like IPOB to Boko Haram terrorists created and groomed by the North to kill Jewish and Christian adherent, indigenous northerners and security agents.

     

    “It is also important to note that contrary to speculations, IPOB has not officially declared ‘no election in Anambra State’. Our preoccupation is Biafra restoration. Anybody equating IPOB strategy with Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and Fulani herdsmen is ignorant and mischievous. Many acclaimed northerners don’t know what we are doing to restore Biafra,” Powerful said.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.net

  • Just In:Nnamdi Kanu orders suspension of weekly sit-at-home protest. 

    Just In:Nnamdi Kanu orders suspension of weekly sit-at-home protest. 

    Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has ordered the suspension of ‘Every Monday’ sit-at-home order by the group in the South-East.

    The group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement made available to a correspondent of Punch Newspapers in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    He said, “The suspension of the Sit-At-Home by the IPOB Head of Directorate was as a result of an order from the leader of this great movement, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “In accordance with the directive from our leader, our Sit-At-Home will, in the meantime, be observed on the date of our leader’s court appearances.

    Kanu is currently in detention for offences bordering on treasonable felony.

    The weekly sit-at-home protest, which commenced on August 9, according to the group, is meant to prevail on the Federal Government to release him.

    The group’s statement reads in part, “The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra understand the concern being expressed by the global IPOB family on the suspension of the weekly Sit-At-Home earlier announced by the IPOB Head of Directorate of State of the Indigenous people of Biafra.

    “We know that our people embraced this civil action wholeheartedly and without any compulsion. The leadrrship sincerely appreciate the innate desire of Biafrans to sacrifice their time, resources and energy in ensuring that our leader Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released unconditionally from the illegal custody of the Nigerian State who criminally renditioned him from Kenya to Nigeria.

    “There is no gain saying the fact that one of the major fundamental guiding principle of IPOB is Command and Control. This simply means that all command from the Supreme leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) will be obeyed and implemented to the latter by the Directorate of State of the Indigenous people of Biafra.

    “Bearing in mind therefore that this principle has enabled this movement to surpass even the expections of both Biafrans and Non-Biafrans alike, the leadership wish to encourage Biafran to focus on the most pressing issue confronting this great family presently which is ensuring the safety of our leader while still in the illegal custody of the DSS and to secure his unconditional release from detention.

    “The lPOB leadership urge Biafrans worldwide to take note of the next court appearance of our leader which is the 21st of October 2021. If however we have any reason or directive from the IPOB hightest command that require us to reactivate the suspended Weekly Sit-At-Home, the leadership will not hesitate to lift the suspension and continue with the our civil action.

    The statement added, “The leadership once more appreciate all Biafrans and our friends and sympathizers who faithfully observed the Monday August 9 Sit-At-Home which was a huge success throughout Biafra land. May God continue to bless and uphold all those committed to our struggle.

    “We consider Biafra restoration as a sacrosanct call to duty above all else. Any other information regarding Sit-At-Home in Biafraland not emanating from IPOB through our main channels of information dissemination should be disregarded.

    “The Nigeria Government should heed now to the voice of reason coming from within Nigeria and from outside the shores of Nigeria to unconditionally free our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and announce a date for Biafra referendum or plebiscite where our people will choose where they wish to belong before it is too late.”

    (punchng.com)

  • 6 people killed as sit at home turned bloody

     

    No fewer than six persons were reportedly killed in separate incidents as the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) took a bloody turn in Nkwogu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Abia and Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday.

     

    Following abduction of Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya by security agents in collaboration with Nigeria government and rearraignment in a Federal High Court in Abuja for continuation of his trial by the Department of State Services (DSS), the pro-Biafran group declared sit-at-home for every Monday until his release.

     

    In Abia, the exercise witnessed the setting ablaze of three passengers in a transport company vehicle while the driver was shot by gunmen.

     

    Police spokesperson, Michael Abattam, said the incident was under investigation.

    In Nnewi, eyewitnesses said they heard gun shots at Izuchukwu Junction as early as 6am and found bodies of two young men. But nobody could explain who shot them.

     

    Sources said one of them was suspected to be a leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the other, a commercial motorcyclist in the area.

     

     

     

    Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said he did not have details: “Yes, something happened in Nnewi but the information is still sketchy. There is a little bonfire on the road but the police have removed them. We are still monitoring the situation. Police presence is everywhere.”

     

    The sit-at-home order witnessed partial compliance in Imo State as most shops and other public places were initially under lock and key in the early hours of 7 and 8 am. But someshops later opened for business.

     

    At Orlu, believed to be the epicentre of crisis in recent times, roads such Banana junction, Okporo among others were deserted and shops closed. Except for vehicles of security operatives patrolling the roads, the roads were deserted. All banks were also shut.

     

    At the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, three airlines had touched down at press time but the passengers remain stranded as there were no airport taxis or commercial motorcycles to take them to their various destinations. The roads leading to the airport were a shadow even as vendors selling around the airport did not turn up for business. The popular Douglas road where the Eke-Ukwu Owerri is located was partially open for business.

     

    In Anambra, the order was largely observed in Awka, the state capital as banks, markets including the popular Eke Awka, filling stations and others were closed while most roads were deserted.

     

    Although security personnel were sighted in some locations, most people stayed indoors either in obedience or out of fear of the unknown.

     

    In Onitsha, markets, banks, filling stations and other business premises were closed. It was also the same in Ekwulobia and other urban centres in the state.

     

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu, told Daily Sun that the police provided adequate security to enable people go about their lawful businesses without fear.

     

    “Our patrol vehicles are everywhere. Shops are a little bit open. Some that did not open were sitting in front of their shops. But our men are still patrolling around the cities.”

     

    •Masked men invade Enugu communities

     

    In parts of Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, scores were injured, robbed and valuables destroyed as masked men on motorcycles invaded Ogrute, headquarters of Igbo-Eze North LGA smashed tables, looted shops and injured anyone on sight.

     

    At Nkwo Aji community being a market day, the masked men descended on traders who came earlier to display their wares and attacked everyone with various weapons.

     

    People of the area who normally sell palmwine were counting losses as suspected IPOB members descended on the palm wine tappers/ sellers at their section smashed gallons of palm wine and beat up sellers as everyone ran for safety.

     

    At the old Nkwo market, they also attacked a patent medicine store, broke the sliding glass shielding and scattered various drugs. A muslim faithful residing in the area popularly known as Momoh was also attacked as they damaged his motorcycle.

     

    There were also reports of attack on hapless residents and shop owners in Isiugwu, Okpo, Imufu and Onicha-Enugu communities in the area.

     

    A businessman in Ogrute was also attacked in his farm at Imufu where they beat up the wife, struck the man with iron rod and collected the cash on him.

     

    Traders at the Nkwo Aji market were helpless as the market was deserted while those who normally come to purchase or sell perishable goods on the Nkwo market day were stranded.

     

    •Abia, Nsukka grounded

     

    Economic and social activities were paralyzed in Enugu as the entire Coal City witnessed the crippling of government and private businesses as civil servants (both federal and state) and public servants shun offices just as markets, banks, fuel stations, motor parks and even eateries did not open for business.

     

    Schools in the state were not left out as some of them, especially private ones, sent SMS to parents and guardians not to bring their children and wards to schools.

     

    Not even the confusion in the discordant voices in IPOB were able to avert the lockdown, as people who thought it would not work and came out early were disappointed as they waited in vain for vehicles, while those who drove returned when it was obvious they were the only people on the road.

     

    The situation also affected the media as newspapers vanished from known newsstands. At the popular Obiagu where newspapers are sold, everywhere were deserted and children turned the streets to football field.

     

    A fruit seller who opened shop around 10am around Agric Bank bus stop said he did because his goods are perishables but noted that he was yet to make any sale by noon.

     

    A motorist, John Agu said: “We are happy that we are observing it. Though we did not go to work, it is still good because the Federal Government should know that we the Easterners are not happy at all. They should release our leader, Nnamdi Kanu, because he has not done anything wrong to deserve this insults he is getting from them.”

     

    In Aba, Abia State residents kept indoors and left their shops and business houses under lock and key. Streets and major access roads in the city centre, including the ever busy Milverton Avenue luxury/mini bus terminals for long distant travels were all deserted. Banks and markets such as Ekeoha Market (Shopping Centre), Ariaria international Market, Ahia Ohuru (Ngwa Road Market), Cemetery/Eziukwu Road Market, and others were shut down.

     

    However, no security agent was seen in all the locations our Correspondent visited, though they were on duty in their barracks and stations.

     

    Speaking to Daily Sun, an Aba resident, Mr Nnanna Ezeonyia, said he returned from a journey to hear there would be a sit-at-home but thought it would not be effective, but only came into the town to see that every where was deserted and looked like a ghost town.

     

    He commended Igbo for bonding in one spirit in their quest for a better placement in Nigeria or the opportunity for a country of their own.

     

    Economic activities were also paralysed in the university town of Nsukka and its environ.Banks closed their banking halls but allowed customers to use their Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) to withdrawals.

     

    In major motor parks, passengers who wanted to travel to different locations like Abuja, Owerri, Anambra were stranded as drivers refused sell tickets or load their buses. Also, major markets like Nsukka Main Market, Building Material Market and Ikpa Commodity Market were all under lock and key

     

    A passenger who identified himself as Patricia Eze said she was traveling to Gwagwarada in Abuja but was stranded.

     

    However, government establishments like University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka council secretariat, some primary and secondary schools were opened.

     

    The ever-busy Enugu Road Nsukka by Nsukka known for traffic gridlock witnessed free with scanty flow of vehicular and human movement.

     

    As at the time of filing this report, Nsukka town and its environ remained calm and peaceful as there were no reports of harassment or violence.

     

    •Partial complaince in Asaba, Ebonyi, Aba

     

    The exercise recorded partial compliance in Ebonyi and Asaba, Delta State capital.

     

    Areas where t was observed in the Delta State capital included Okwe, Akwebulu and Oko, where commercial activities were halted in the morning hours. The areas are considered as IPOB base in the capital city.

     

    It also affected travelers to Onitsha in Anambra State, as commercial buses were not available on the road.

     

    Security personnel were also seen around major roads to forestall break down of peace and order.

     

    In Abakaliki, all the transport companies located along Afikpo road opened for businesses but there were no passengers.

     

    Some parks including popular Ishieke park located along Water Works road in the metropolis were opened when Daily Sun visited the park. However, commercial banks loacted at Ogoja road and Afikpo road did not open but their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) were dispensing cash.

     

    Also, some shops opened for businesses in the capital city with free human and vehicular movements though not as it used to be on a normal day. Many filling stations in the capital city did not open.

     

    However, workers defied the sit-at-home order as they were seen in their offices at Ochudo Centenary City Secretariat and the old government House.

     

    However, in the Abia state capital, Umuahia, there was partial compliance to the order.

     

    Although banks and schools did not open, gates of markets in Umuahia were opened and people moved about their businesses freely while  commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators plied the streets of the city without hindrance.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Nnamdi Kanu: IPOB splits over sit-at-home order.

    Nnamdi Kanu: IPOB splits over sit-at-home order.

    As some parts of Enugu and Anambra are reported to have been deserted.

    The planned sit-at-home ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) scheduled to commence today has split the pro-Biafra community.

    The pro-Biafra group had penultimate week, in solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ordered a sit-at-home that would be observed every Monday throughout Igboland, until his trial would end.

    While the organisation’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said there was no going back on it, a family member of the embattled leader of the group, Kanunta Kanu, said the exercise has been suspended due to ongoing National Examination Council (NECO) examination for junior secondary schools.

    But Powerful, in a statement yesterday, said Kanu’s brother who issued the statement is not IPOB’s spokesman and therefore should be ignored.

    “Kanu brother is not IPOB spokesperson and anybody who listens to that deceptive statement and obligated to such statement by coming out tomorrow (today) will get it hot.”

    Powerful reiterated the directive is sacrosanct and will hold as scheduled from 6am to 6pm.

    “The entire Biafraland will be locked down every Monday from 6am to 6pm beginning from today until our leader, Kanu, who was abducted in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria and locked up in Department of State Services (DSS) dungeon in clear violation of international laws, is freed.

    “Consequently, there will be no movement throughout Biafra land on Mondays until our leader who is suffering for our freedom is released. This protest is peaceful but firm. Everybody is advised to stay indoors in total compliance,” he said.

    But a statement by IPOB’s leader’s younger brother said a new date for the commencement of the sit-at-home order would be announced later.

    Kanunta said having realised the academic deprivation the already marginalised Biafra students who entered for this year’s NECO would suffer, it decided to suspend the sit-at-home order to a later date, to allow the students take their examinations. He equally made it clear that allowing the sit-at-home to go ahead as earlier announced, in the face of the NECO examination, would amount to assisting enemies of Biafra to inflict more injuries on its children.

    This came as Anambra and Abia governments warned workers, especially the civil servants and residents not to obey the sit-at-home directive.

    Anambra Head of Service, Harry Udu, in a statement, yesterday, made it clear that any worker who failed to be on duty would face severe sanctions, including seizure of August salary and directed commissioners and permanent secretaries of various ministries to monitor compliance and report same accordingly.

    “The government of Anambra State has directed that all workers in the state must attend to their duties today as failure to do so will result in severe sanctions, including loss of salary for August. “All commissioners and permanent secretaries are to monitor and report compliance. Give this information the widest publicity in your establishment,” the government said in the statement.

    Similarly, Abia government asked residents to disregard the IPOB order. The government’s directive contained in a statement issued in Umuahia by Commissioner for Information, Okiyi Kalu, said adequate security had been provided to ensure safety of lives and property in all parts of the state.

    He said it made no economic sense to order traders to sit at home, while they are struggling to fend for their families under COVID-19 and the attendant harsh economy.

    He further warned that compelling the children to stay away from schools would be counter-productive and capable of retarding their progress academically.

    The commissioner, however, noted that it would not compel anyone wishing to sit-at-home for any reason whatsoever not to do so.

    “As citizens have freedom of movement under the extant constitution, we wish to strongly advice that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit-at-home order from any non-state actor. Doing so will not serve any known interest of the people of the state.”

    Meanwhile, a resident of Nnewi in Anambra reached out to The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine correspondent stating that in Nnewi, cars are being destroyed this morning by IPOB. Abakpa and Agbani Road looks deserted as at the time of filing this report. More details as happenings unfold.

  • Kanu’s trial: IPOB suspends sit-at-home order

    Kanu’s trial: IPOB suspends sit-at-home order

    The planned sit-at-home ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) scheduled to have commenced tomorrow (Monday) has been suspended due to the just began National Examination Council (NECO) Exam for junior secondary schools.

    A new date for the commencement of the sit-at-home order, IPOB said would be announced later.

    The pro Biafra group had penultimate week, in what appeared to be in solidarity with it’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ordered for sit-at-home that would be observed every Monday throughout Igbo land, starting from August 9, until when his trial would end.

    However, in a statement the IPOB leader’s younger brother, Kanunta Kanu said the group arrived at the decision, after listening to pleas from well meaning individuals and groups within and outside Biafra land that the order be suspended to allow students from Igbo land to participate in the NECO Exam.

    “IPOB has listened to pleas from well-meaning individuals and groups within and outside Biafra land that we consider the fate of our children who will be involved in the NECO Exam and based on that, we decided to shift grounds over the sit-at-home order”.

    The statement added that IPOB on its part, having realized the academic deprivation the already marginalized Biafra students who entered for this year’s NECO would suffer, decided to suspend the sit-at-home order to a later date, to allow the students take their exams.

    Kanu equally made it clear that allowing the sit-at-home to go ahead as earlier announced, in the face of the NECO Exam would amount to assisting enemies of Biafra to inflict more injuries on her children.

    “As a group fighting for the liberation of her people from oppression from her enemies, we realized that it would amount to assisting the said enemies to inflict more harm on our children if we do not suspend the sit-at-home order to allow Biafra students take their exams”.

    While making it clear the sit-at-home order has not been cancelled, but only suspended for the sake of Biafra students taking this year’s NECO Exam, the statement called on all IPOB global family members and Biafrans at large to await further directives in this regard. (Sunnewsonline)

  • We’re supporting Nnamdi Kanu’s family, his rights sacrosanct: Abia Govt

    We’re supporting Nnamdi Kanu’s family, his rights sacrosanct: Abia Govt

    Abia State Government is actively monitoring the situation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is an indigene of the state and is currently under trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja, with a view to ensuring that his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic, are respected.

    We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.

    The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    We therefore wish to call on all citizens and visitors to continue to be law abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a break down of law and order.

    While Government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advice that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.

    Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.

    Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens.

    All law abiding citizens and visitors are therefore called upon to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as adequate security has been provided to ensure their safety.

    Parents and guardians are also called upon to ensure that they monitor the activities of their children and wards with a view to ensuring that they do not engage in unlawful activities that will put them in harm’s way.

    Thank you.

    Chief John Okiyi Kalu

    Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State

    06/08/2021