Owerri, the capital of Imo State, was on lockdown on Friday, May 30, 2025, as residents stayed indoors in compliance with a sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Remembrance Day.
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From major routes such as Douglas Road, Wethedral Street, IMSU Junction, Orlu Road, and Tetlow, to the bustling Douglas Market, streets and markets were deserted, with commercial and public activities completely grounded.
Despite the presence of heavy security operatives across the city—including personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, DSS, Civil Defence, Immigration, and other agencies—residents observed total compliance with the IPOB directive.
IPOB had declared May 30 as a day of remembrance for Biafra’s fallen heroes and warned that no movement, business, or activity should take place on that day throughout the southeast.
Though many residents complied reluctantly, the fear of possible violence led to widespread self-imposed restriction, with traders, transporters, workers, and students remaining indoors.
In response to the development, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, reiterated that the state remains safe and that robust security arrangements had been put in place to prevent any security breaches.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has once again called on the good and law-abiding people of Imo State to disregard the disruptive sit-at-home threat issued by the proscribed IPOB and its armed affiliate, ESN,” Okoye said in a statement.
He disclosed that top security commanders across various agencies—including Brigadier General M.I. Abbas (Army), Air Commodore D.E. Bello (Air Force), DSS Director Olushola Aguda, and heads of NSCDC, Immigration, FRSC, and Fire Service—have activated joint operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the 27 local government areas of the state.
“These operatives are currently undertaking intensive confidence-building patrols and show-of-force operations to deter criminal elements and reassure the public,” the statement added.
The police further issued a stern warning to any individuals or groups attempting to enforce the sit-at-home order or disrupt public peace, saying such actions would be met with the full weight of the law.
CP Danjuma urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency lines: 08034773600 or 08148024755.
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