There was partial human and vehicular movement on Monday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, following the nationwide protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu with the harshtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
Major roads in the city, including the Ogoja and Afikpo Roads, usually bustling with economic activities, were largely deserted, as several filling stations, eateries, and shops remained closed under unclear circumstances.
At the popular Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry, our correspondent observed that all shops were under lock and key, though traders loitered around the premises while a few customers moved in and out.
A similar situation was observed at the Motor and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, where traders were seen standing outside while most shops along the major lines and entrances were firmly locked.
When visited, the Margaret Umahi International Market only had a few traders who displayed their goods under umbrellas, while most shops remained closed, with a handful of customers seen buying mainly food items.
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An octogenarian, Mr. Nwali Boniface, described the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu as inhumane.
The elderly man, who said he witnessed the Biafran war, alleged that some Igbo leaders were complicit in Kanu’s prolonged incarceration.
“The Biafran war taught me that many Igbos are the problem of themselves. It will take only divine intervention for Igboland to regain its lost glory and except, until God, nobody can change the ugly situation,” he observed.
Also, Mr. Monday Emmanuel, faulted the sit-at-home strategy as a means of agitation, describing it as counterproductive.
He, however, urged the federal government to heed the voice of the people and explore peaceful means to resolve the lingering issue surrounding Kanu’s detention.
