The sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra on Thursday in the South-East to protest against the incarceration and trial of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was observed by residents in the region.

In Enugu State, some hoodlums suspected to be enforcing the sit-at-home order set ablaze a shop and a container-bearing truck at Eke-Obinagu suburb along Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway in the Enugu East Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the truck,which was heading for Abakaliki, was set ablaze around 3.30am.

However, the driver was said to have also escaped unhurt.

Our correspondent, who visited the area, noted that the shop that was burnt was stocked with provisions, while the truck belonging to Chisco Transport Company was burnt to the engine. The container was not affected.

Meanwhile roads and streets in the state were deserted as residents observed the sit-at-home order.

Our correspondent noted that business and social activities were grounded on Emene and Abakaliki roads, as well as other areas. Only few people were seen trekking. Shops, malls, filling stations, banks and markets were shut.

READ ALSO IPOB blames Uzodinma for violence, denies killing Imo monarchs

Calls made to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, did not connect as his mobile phone indicated that it was switched off.

Schools, markets, banks shut in Ebonyi

Similarly in Ebonyi State, the sit-at-home brought economic activities in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, and its environs to a halt.

Our correspondent observed that public and private schools, markets, banks and shops were closed and there was no vehicular movement between 7am and 10am.

Also, parks of major transport companies such as Peace, Onitsha South, GUO, Ifesinachi, Eastern Mass and ROMCHI, among others, were shut.

Imo roads deserted

The roads of three major towns inImo state – Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe – were deserted on Thursday.

In Owerri, the state capital, banks, schools, markets, malls, fuel stations and all business outlets were shut down.

Ikenegbu, Government House Roundabout, Mbari, Douglas, Orji, Amakaohia, Imo State University junction, Akwakuma, Control Post junction, Onitsha Road and Tetlow Road known for commercial activities were deserted.

A resident, who gave his name simply as Chima, said, “We are proud to be Igbo. We sitting at home in solidarity with our brother, Nnamdi Kanu.”

Similarly, the sit-at-home was total in Abia.

As of 4pm, Aba and Umuahia streets were still deserted.

A trader in Umuahia, Agwu Uka,said, “The Federal Government and the court  should that Kanu gets accelerated hearing and release him.”