The Indigenous People of Biafra has urged residents of the South-East to disregard any calls for a sit-at-home on October 21 and 22, emphasizing that the directive did not originate from their organization.
The PUNCH reported that this response follows the circulation of videos and voice notes on social media for over two weeks, warning citizens to remain indoors on those days, and threatening consequences for anyone who disobeyed the purported mandate.
The voice note declared the sit-at-home “sacrosanct,” sparking widespread panic, particularly in Anambra State.
The uncertainty created by the rumours has led to the rescheduling of numerous official engagements in the region.
It was learnt that court cases originally scheduled for those days have been postponed to later dates due to security concerns.
A court clerk at the Onitsha High Court, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed this, saying, “We heard they have declared October 21 and 22 as sit-at-home, which necessitated the rescheduling of every engagement on those days. It was rescheduled since last week.”
The clerk added that authorities wanted to avoid potential security risks, including the possibility of hoodlums attacking vehicles transporting suspects to the court.
In addition to official disruptions, the panic surrounding the unverified sit-at-home order has affected daily life across the South-East.
Reports indicated that residents were engaging in panic buying, with major markets in cities witnessing a surge in last-minute transactions as customers stocked up to avoid being caught off-guard.
Similarly, school activities were called off, with some institutions issuing formal notifications to parents and guardians.
One such notice, displayed at a school in Onitsha, informed parents of the decision to suspend classes for the specified days, “Good evening Dear Parents and guardians. Based on the circulating threats from IPOB, be notified that there will be no school on Monday and Tuesday, 21st and 22nd October 2024. This is strictly for security reasons. In essence, it is a precautionary measure. Mid-term Break begins on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024. Therefore, students are expected to resume school on Monday, 28th October 2024. Thanks and Remain Blessed. Signed: Management.”
In response to the confusion, IPOB has firmly distanced itself from the sit-at-home declaration, attributing it to criminal factions and external infiltrators.
In a telephone interview, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, clarified the group’s position, “IPOB did not declare any sit-at-home order on October 21 and 22. The illegal order is from criminal elements and Finland-based infiltrators who are not our members.”
He further urged residents to disregard the directive and continue their daily routines, explaining that IPOB had long suspended its sit-at-home actions and has no intention of reinstating them.
Powerful elaborated, “Biafrans must understand that IPOB does not declare unnecessary sit-at-home. We have since suspended it and anybody declaring it is a criminal element that should be ignored.” He went on to emphasize that IPOB had deliberately avoided discussing the matter in order to prevent stirring panic and avoid giving undue attention to what he called “inconsequential” orders from outsiders.
Despite IPOB’s reassurances, the atmosphere of uncertainty persists in the South-East, with many residents opting for caution amid the conflicting messages.
