Monday Sit-at-Home Persists Across Biafraland on December 23, 2024
The Monday sit-at-home directive in Biafraland continues to be observed on December 23, 2024, as streets remain deserted, businesses shuttered, and vehicular movement minimal. The directive, initiated by pro-Biafra groups as part of efforts to draw attention to the agitation for self-determination, has persisted despite various appeals and threats from state authorities.
Reports from major cities like Enugu, Aba, Onitsha, and Owerri indicate high compliance, with residents staying indoors to avoid confrontation. Public transportation services were largely unavailable, and marketplaces, banks, and schools remained closed.
Local sources claim that fear of violence or punitive actions from enforcers of the directive has compelled many to comply. “Even if you want to open your shop, the fear of being attacked keeps you home,” said a resident of Onitsha who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Security agencies had earlier issued assurances of safety and deployed personnel to ensure public order. However, residents remain skeptical, citing past incidents of unrest.
The sit-at-home campaign, introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest the detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has now evolved into a broader symbol of resistance and solidarity among supporters of the Biafra movement. Critics argue that the action is crippling the region's economy, while proponents insist it is a necessary sacrifice for the pursuit of their goals.
Efforts by political and traditional leaders to mediate and end the sit-at-home have yielded little success. As the year draws to a close, the persistence of the directive underscores the depth of discontent and the complexities surrounding the agitation in the Southeast.
Authorities continue to urge calm and call for dialogue to address the grievances fueling the unrest, even as residents brace for another round of disruptions in the coming weeks.
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