•Deserted roads in Umuahia
Security was befeed up in Umuahia, the state capital and Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State as security agencies were on red alert to avert any possible breakdown of law and order by any group of persons or individuals who may want to seize the opportunity of the sit-at-home to cause problem.
It was learnt that some protesters had come in the early hours of the day to show support for Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release, reports The Nation.
Our correspondent, who went round major towns of Umuahia and Aba, reports that banks, private and public institutions located at various parts of Aba, closed for businesses.
Customers of various commercial banks who had needs for online banking transactions and withdrawal of cash, relied on the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for their activities.
The Umuahia Aba Park and Aba Central Motor Park, including Milverton, which serves as a major bus terminal for buses coming and leaving Aba, were devoid of the usual boisterous state as all the transport companies and loading bays were almost empty.
It was gathered that most people who had urgent needs left Aba yesterday morning and night.
Markets, including Ariaria International Market and among others in the city, were not open for business and commercial activities.
Some claimed that they trekked to and fro their houses as they could not see any tricycle on the road.
According to our correspondent, a few of the tricycle operators took advantage of the sit-at-home to increase their fares between ₦50 -₦100 from their normal charges. This they said was because they depend on black marketers for their Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).
Some residents who spoke anonymously pleaded for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, saying that his release would speed up the peace in the southeast.
Members of the Operation Crush and personnel of the Nigerian Army were seen at the popular Bata junction where they lines up their patrol vans.
There were unconfirmed cases of harassment by those who claimed to be IPOB members trying to force people to close their shops, forcing some residents and shop owners to run for their lives.
