On Friday, Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, came to a standstill as residents observed a sit-at-home order in commemoration of Biafra Day, a solemn occasion to honour those who died in the Biafran conflict.
The normally vibrant city took on a quiet, somber tone, with its streets completely deserted and commercial activity grinding to a halt.
The action followed a directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who annually call for a stay-at-home protest to mark the day.
Shops, markets, and motor parks across the city were shut.
Banks remained closed, forcing residents to rely on whatever cash they had on hand.
Both public and private schools were also shut down, leaving classrooms empty for the day.
Despite the lockdown, the atmosphere remained calm.
There were no reports of clashes or confrontations between security operatives and members of the public, and no uniformed personnel were visibly patrolling the streets.
In some neighborhoods, a few youths made use of the open roads to play football, while others gathered in front of their homes, quietly discussing current affairs and recent national developments.
Biafra Day continues to hold deep emotional and political significance in southeastern Nigeria, especially in cities like Umuahia where memories of the civil war remain etched in the collective consciousness.
Friday’s peaceful observance reflected the continued resonance of that history in the state.
