Update: Three policemen, others killed as IPOB sit-at-home order turns bloody

No fewer than three policemen were found dead in Enugu State and two suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) feared dead in Ebonyi as the sit-at-home directive by (IPOB) turned bloody in parts of the Southeast

National Daily learnt that commercial activities were grounded in the five Southeast states as well as parts of Delta and Rivers states as residents complied with the directive, some out of fear of being harmed.

The bodies of three policemen killed in Enugu were found in different parts of the state. One of them was killed near the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office on Okpara Avenue. Two were seen at the Mgbeme area of Coal Camp.

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In Ebonyi, at least two persons suspected to be IPOB members were killed in Abakaliki by the police in a shootout.

A source in the area said the separatist supporters intercepted and burnt down some motorcycles belonging to some residents for flouting the order.

The Police sent a team of operatives to the area to disperse them and restore order. But on getting to the area, the separatists engaged the policemen in a shootout. In the process, two of the separatists were killed while many others were arrested.

Meanwhile, Igbo traders and residents in Rivers State, especially Port Harcourt, the state capital, disregarded the sit-at-home order.

All markets bubbled in the capital city and all roads were busy as residents went about their normal activities. Schools, banks and offices operated without molestation.

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But there was partial compliance in Oyigbo Local Government Area where most residents stayed away from the streets out of fear of possible violence. All the popular markets in the area, including Eke Oyigbo ultra-modern market, had skeletal activities.

In a statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said the success further demonstrated that the Biafra struggle was unstoppable.

The statement reads: “We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our prophet and liberator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, are delighted to note that this year’s sit-at-home order in honour of our fallen heroes recorded 100 per cent success throughout Biafra land.

“We, therefore, wish to warmly commend Biafrans, Southeast Governors, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, friends and lovers of Biafra freedom who made the exercise a huge success.

“The unprecedented success and total compliance that greeted the exercise have sent panic waves down the spine of our oppressors. Now they understand how prepared we are in our irrevocable resolve to restore the Biafra republic.”