Crime

Biafra Day: See The Number Of Soldiers, That Was Killed

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 31st, 2024.

Biafra Day: See The Number Of Soldiers, That Was Killed

Biafra Day: Military Casualties and Public Response to IPOB Order

Despite the killing of two soldiers by gunmen in Aba, Abia State, there were no major incidents reported as residents largely ignored the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to mark “Biafra Day.” Most states in the region, except for Imo State, saw normal activities with schools, markets, and offices remaining open.

In Anambra State, senior secondary school students attended their West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams without interference from IPOB members. There was a heavy security presence at various WAEC centers in Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha. However, some major markets were closed out of fear of potential attacks.

In Awka, the Eke Awka market was completely shut, and civil servants did not report to work. Similarly, in Nnewi and Onitsha, businesses were closed as operators complied with the IPOB sit-at-home order. The order is observed annually to honor those who lost their lives in the Biafran struggle, including during the Nigerian Civil War.

Anambra State police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Ikenga Tochukwu, stated that the commissioner of police, Nnaghe Itam, led a patrol across the state to ensure security. In Enugu State, students and workers defied the order, participating in ongoing WAEC exams and attending work respectively. There was also a significant security presence in different parts of Enugu.

In Ebonyi State, normal activities continued with private and public schools, civil servants, and businesses operating without incident. Heavy security was also present to maintain order.

In Imo State, however, the Biafra Day sit-at-home order significantly disrupted activities, with banks, schools, markets, motor parks, and major streets deserted. The Imo State Police Command had urged residents to ignore the IPOB order, yet compliance was high, with 95 percent of businesses and public services shut down.

In Aba, Abia State, the situation escalated when gunmen attacked an army checkpoint at Obikabia Junction, killing two soldiers and setting a patrol van on fire. The attackers, reportedly over 15 in number and masked, fled the scene in two vehicles. The attack was part of an effort to enforce the IPOB sit-at-home order.

Efforts to get confirmation from the Abia State police or army were unsuccessful at press time. Sporadic gunfire was reported early in the morning, causing many residents to stay indoors. While government offices, banks, schools, and shops were closed in Umuahia, the capital, there was unrestrained vehicular and human traffic, with people gathering in various locations to discuss the situation.

Overall, the response to the IPOB order varied, with some regions observing normal activities under heavy security and others experiencing significant disruptions and violence.