Commercial and social activities were brought to a halt in Enugu State as residents adhered to a sit-at-home directive declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The two-day protest was reportedly aimed at pressuring the government to release their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

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Our correspondent, who surveyed the situation in the city, observed that only a handful of people ventured out, and most of them were stranded due to the unavailability of public transportation.

The usually busy streets of Enugu were largely deserted, with only a few private vehicles and tricycles (Keke) seen navigating the empty roads.

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Security forces were deployed at strategic locations across the city to maintain order, but their presence did little to ease the fear that gripped residents.

Schools, offices, and major markets, including the popular Ogbette Main Market, remained closed.

Traders expressed frustration over the disruption to their businesses, fearing both the threat of violence and the financial losses caused by the closure.

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Obumneme Okolo, a trader at Ogbette, shared his disappointment.

“I came out early to open my shop, but the streets were empty, and the market was closed. We heard that Governor Peter Mbah had said the sit-at-home wouldn’t hold, but the reality on the ground is different. We are losing money every day, and it’s getting harder to provide for our families.”

The impact was also felt in the education sector.

Veronica Odogwu, a primary school teacher, opted to stay home due to safety concerns.

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“Even though there was no official directive from the school, I couldn’t risk going out. The tension in my area is too high, and many parents called to say they were keeping their children home. No one wants to take unnecessary risks,” she explained.

Many residents, like Okolo, called on both regional leaders and the federal government to engage in dialogue to address IPOB’s demands, particularly the release of Nnamdi Kanu, to restore peace and stability to the region.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the release of demonstrators arrested during the #EndSARS memorial at Lekki Toll Gate on Sunday.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, all detained protesters have been freed, with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, personally overseeing the process at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

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In a post on his X handle, Hundeyin confirmed, “All protesters in our custody have been released. CP Olanrewaju Ishola was on the ground at the SCID to personally ensure this.”

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, also verified the release, stating that all 22 individuals detained during the memorial procession were freed, and their seized belongings were returned.

“We have secured the release of all the 22 activists who were arrested this morning at the Lekki Toll Gate while commemorating the 4th anniversary of the Lekki massacre,” Effiong wrote on X.

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He added, “We had a discussion with the Commissioner of Police who came over to the State CID in respect of the matter. The items seized from the protesters were also returned to them.”

The demonstrators had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to mark the fourth anniversary of the October 20, 2020 shooting, where peaceful protesters were killed during the #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.

They arrived around 8:30 am, holding banners and placards, demanding the implementation of the reports submitted by judicial panels set up after the 2020 protests.

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The police, however, claimed that the protesters had not sought clearance or permission for the gathering, labeling it illegal. Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola explained, “Constitutionally, they should write to me as the Commissioner of Police of their intention to do so. They did not, and as such, any such gathering is illegal.”

Despite the release, the demonstrators accused the police of brutality during their arrest.

In a video posted on X by Inibehe Effiong, one protester described being beaten and placed in a police Black Maria.

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“We are asking today when it has become illegal to protest in this country,” the protester questioned.

Amnesty International condemned the police’s actions, stating, “Amnesty International condemns the Nigeria police for the violent attack on people who assembled at Lekki Toll Gate to honour peaceful protesters killed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020. The reckless use of tear gas and arrests are unacceptable.”

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The incident has drawn attention to ongoing tensions surrounding the #EndSARS movement, with protesters continuing to demand justice and accountability four years after the tragic Lekki Toll Gate shooting.

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Several individuals were killed on Sunday in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a violent clash between rival cult groups.

The incident took place at Oye Nwochichi market near Nibo old maternity.

According to a viral video on social media, the attackers arrived in a brown Lexus 300 Jeep and carried out the assault before fleeing to Eke Nibo Market, where they struck again, leading to additional casualties.

While the exact number of fatalities has not been confirmed, a local source indicated that at least 10 bodies have been recovered.

The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack, attributing it to a violent clash between rival cult groups.

He noted that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, had immediately deployed additional officers to the area to restore order and apprehend the culprits.

“The Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash that occurred on 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LGA. The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has mandated the deployment of additional personnel to the area for prompt intervention,” Tochukwu said.

He further called on witnesses to provide any information that could assist in identifying the attackers, assuring the public that all information would be treated confidentially.

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“Preliminary reports are still emerging, and we urge witnesses of this incident to share any information that may help identify the perpetrators for possible arrest. Rest assured, all information provided will be treated with the highest confidentiality. You can reach the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at 08039334002.

“Further updates will be communicated as they become available.” he said.