In a recent development causing widespread concern in the South-East, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has categorically denied issuing any sit-at-home order for October 21 and 22, 2024. The group urged residents to go about their normal activities, dismissing the circulating threats as the work of criminal elements and infiltrators.
For over two weeks, a video and several voice notes have been circulating on social media, warning South-East residents to remain indoors on these dates, citing a sit-at-home order. The messages threatened consequences for those who failed to comply, sparking panic across the region, particularly in Anambra State.
As a result, several official and non-official engagements, including court cases and school activities, have been postponed. Sources at the High Court in Onitsha confirmed that cases scheduled for October 21 and 22 were rescheduled due to fears of potential violence. “We rescheduled since last week to avoid any incidents where hoodlums could hijack vehicles transporting suspects to court,” one court clerk revealed.
In response to the circulating threats, many residents engaged in panic buying, stocking up on essentials in major markets across the South-East to avoid being stranded.
Schools also reacted to the situation, with some management teams sending out notices to parents. One such notice read: “Dear Parents and Guardians, due to circulating threats from IPOB, there will be no school on Monday and Tuesday, October 21 and 22, for security reasons. Mid-term break begins on Wednesday, October 23, with students expected to resume on Monday, October 28.”
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Despite the panic, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, clarified that the group did not issue any sit-at-home order. He condemned the threats as the work of “criminal elements” and “Finland-based infiltrators” who are not affiliated with IPOB.
“IPOB did not declare any sit-at-home order on October 21 and 22. The illegal order is from criminal elements who are not our members. We urge our people to ignore this fake order and go about their normal business,” Emma Powerful stated. He emphasized that IPOB has suspended all sit-at-home orders and has no intention of disrupting daily life in the South-East.
Powerful added, “We don’t want to create unnecessary panic. Biafrans must understand that IPOB only acts in the interest of the people, and any sit-at-home order not authorized by us is illegal.”
IPOB’s dismissal of the order aims to restore calm in the South-East and prevent any further disruption to daily life, as residents are encouraged to remain vigilant against misinformation.
