The Sit-at-home order by Indigenous People of Biafra recorded total compliance by residents and traders of Onitsha the commercial city and Nnewi the industrial city of Anambra State.
Markets, including street shops monitored by our correspondent on both cities were under lock and key in obedience to the order.
Those who spoke to DAILY VENDOR however said the less human and vehicular movement experienced in the cities on Thursday should not be completely attributed to the pro-Biafran group as same was applicable on previous years.
“Since I started living in Onitsha, markets hardly open on October 1. Traders hardly open their shops on such days.
“I think IPOB just played a smart game. They should not take the glory,” one of the residents who identified himself as Alloy said.
The popular Upper Iweka area of Onitsha known for its beehive of commercial activities, as well as parks were deserted as business activities were grounded.
Some group of people, particularly youths were seen playing football on the streets while others were in clusters discussing.
Filling stations located around the area were not left out as few vehicles were seen driving in to buy fuel.
The ever busy Niger Bridge was virtually empty with few vehicles particularly tankers probably carrying fuel and kerosene entering and exiting Onitsha at interval.
Security operatives witnessed minimal vehicular movement at their stop and search location while pedestrians trek to their different destination.
Filling stations located on the Onitsha Enugu express way up to former Ogbunike toll gate were all shut down while those located on the streets if Onitsha and environs were seen open for business.
