Enugu residents ignore Governor’s advise to abandon sit-at-home

Residents of Enugu state have once again shown their disregard for the directive issued by the newly appointed Governor, Peter Mbah, urging them to resume their normal activities and bring an end to the weekly Monday sit-at-home order.

Despite the potential negative impact on the state’s economy, the majority of banks, markets, schools, shops, and offices remained closed today, maintaining the status quo.

The sit-at-home order continued to hold its grip even in the outlying rural and urban of the state. Residents of Enugu confessed that fear of the unknown prevented them from venturing out of their homes, as they lacked confidence in the government’s ability to ensure their safety.

Read Also: Sit-at-home: Schools, banks, markets shut as insecurity heightens in Imo

In order to enhance security, a significant presence police and military patrol vehicles were deployed throughout the streets, accompanied by police helicopters hovering over the state.
Today’s sit-at-home protest in Enugu has reached an escalated level today, leading to the unsettling sight of deserted roads, markets, and streets in some certain areas.

Security personnel have been deployed in large number across the region, working diligently to uphold order and ensure public safety. There have been unconfirmed reports of travellers being abducted along the Four Corners – Udi bypass earlier today.

Prior to Governor Mbah’s announcement declaring an end to the Monday sit-at-home order, compliance had already been waning, as people gradually started venturing out but required further encouragement to regain their confidence.

However, despite the government’s earlier threat to permanently shut down any non-compliant schools, markets, banks, parks, and other institutions, none of them is operational today, including filling stations.

Upon inspection, it was observed that the gates of schools and markets were open but devoid of students, teachers, and traders. Banks and fuel stations remained locked, and government and private offices stood empty.

The presence of security agents, expected to provide reassurance and encourage people to resume their businesses, did not alleviate tensions. Instead, their presence seemed to further unsettle the streets.

At various locations in Enugu, such as Otigba Roundabout and New Haven Junction, police officers were Patrol vehicles with police and military personnel were seen intermittent, but roadblocks were absent along routes including Otigba to Artisan market, Ohuhu Road, Tunnel to Abakiliki Road, All Saints Roundabout, Shoprite, former Campus Two, and Ogui Road Junction by 82 Division.