Fear, Not Force, Keeps Owerri Indoors

Despite police assurances of adequate security, residents of Owerri, the capital of Imo State, observed the May 30 Biafra Day sit-at-home order, citing fear of violence and uncertainty as the primary reasons for staying indoors.

A visit to several neighborhoods within the city revealed eerily quiet streets, shuttered shops, and a complete halt in vehicular movement. Residents who spoke to our correspondent said that while no official government directive mandated a holiday, the threat posed by unknown gunmen and the potential for clashes with security forces discouraged them from going about their daily activities.

Ferdinand Nzukoka, a barbing salon operator, expressed concern over criminal elements who often take advantage of such commemorative days to unleash terror under the guise of enforcing compliance.

“Some of these guys use Biafra Day as an excuse to rob, harass, or attack people. If you step out, you might not return home safely — or at all,” he said.

Nzukoka recounted a personal experience where he was harassed and tortured by security officers who falsely accused him of being a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite finding no incriminating evidence on him.

Similarly, Odinakachi Nduka, a phone repair technician at Tetlow Road, said the risks on both sides — from security personnel and unknown gunmen — were too high.

“If the police catch you, they accuse you of disturbing public peace. If the unknown gunmen catch you, they punish you for disobeying the sit-at-home. Either way, you’re in trouble,” he explained.

Olukoma Njoku, who operates an eatery, lamented the economic losses associated with the day but agreed that personal safety must come first.

“No one enjoys staying home all day doing nothing. It’s bad for business, but life is paramount. If staying indoors protects it, then it’s a necessary sacrifice,” she said.

A housewife, identified as Mrs. Njoku, suggested a more structured approach to the annual Biafra Day remembrance. She called on the Federal Government to officially recognize the date as a public holiday to honour victims of the January 15, 1966 coup and the Nigerian Civil War.

“If the government takes over the day officially, it will remove the power from agitators who enforce it violently. There’s nothing wrong with remembering the past — it just needs to be done in peace,” she stated.

Across Owerri, markets, schools, and government offices remained closed throughout the day, with major roads largely deserted. The palpable tension served as a reminder of the deep-rooted historical scars and the enduring security concerns that continue to shape life in parts of the South-East.