Residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, defied the sit-at-home order given by Simon Ekpa, a known pro-Biafra agitator on Saturday despite the attacks and killing of some persons across parts of the state by gunmen suspected to be enforcing the order.
Gatekeepers News reports that the residents went about their commercial and social activities on Saturday.
According to reports, the Imo State University junction in Owerri was bubbling, as usual, as the gridlock it was known for was visible.
At the Imo State University, couples wedded at the St Joseph’s Chaplaincy with relatives and guests in attendance.
On Mbari Street, some students were sighted carrying out their end-of-the-year party even as the ‘Sisters With A Goal Initiative and Ordinary Citizens Platform’ also carried out their 2022 International Human Rights Day Civil Society and Media Conversation on Justice programme nearby.
The Government House Roundabout and the Ama JK were also alive as motorists and businesses went on.
On Friday, Gunmen attacked various parts of Owerri and its environs killing people.
Some of the persons killed were Prince Chidi Iheme, elder brother to Nollywood actor, Osita Iheme popularly known as Pawpaw.
Similarly, a policeman was allegedly killed at the 7UP junction at Orji on the Owerri-Okigwe Road.
Four persons were also killed at Umuna in the Onuimo Local Government Area and at Umunachi in the Isiala Mbano LGA, respectively.
Also, two expatriates supervising the construction of the Owerri – Okigwe Road were kidnapped.
The state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Martin Eke, was macheted at Ubommiri in the Mbaitoli LGA while on his way to a rally conducted by the members of the All Progressives Congress.
