In compliance with the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB and MASSOB to mark the 50th anniversary of Biafra, economic activities in Owerri, the Imo State capital, has been crippled showing total compliance to the directives.

Even though there was the movement of persons and vehicles on major roads, markets – especially the Popular Ekeonuwa Douglas market, shops and business premises remained under lock and key.

While some banks were closed for business, some offered skeletal services to customers.

A visit to the Imo State Secretariat showed that it’s not business as usual.

In the neighboring city of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, there was partial compliance, as the Abakpa Market, the city’s main market, was opened but most shops remained closed at the time of this report.

Many of the traders were seen gathered in front of their shops discussing the situation.

As they noticed that those who flouted the order and opened their shops were not being molested, some of them summoned the courage to start opening their shops.

However, major private transporters in the city shut down their parks in compliance with the directive by MASSOB and IPOB.

Most banks also shut their doors to customers who thronged to the banks.

But they would later start opening their doors after observing the security measures by the Police who were seen in all parts of the state and on patrol to ensure the security of lives and property.