Onitsha deserted over IPOB’s sit-at-home order
Business and commercial activities were completely grounded in Onitsha, Anambra state while schools, public institutions, markets and street shops were under lock and key.
Markets, including popular Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Central Market, Bridge Head Medicine market, food markets Ose Okwodu, Coca Cola market, Relief Market Okpoko and spare part markets, among others were all shut from business activities.
Banks located within the commercial city and its environs and suburbs were all shut contrary to plans to open for business following government’s directive to workers in the State to report to work or lose their salaries.
Major roads and streets were deserted, including the ever busy Niger Bridge, Onitsha/Enugu expressway to Upper Iweke through Army barracks, Ziks roundabout to Nkpor and old Ogbunike toll gate were turned ghosts areas.
No human and vehicular movements were sighted at both ends of Onitsha and Asaba, the Delta State capital as the two pedestrian cross of the bridge were completely deserted.
Some persons on masks with assorted weapons were sighted beating, maiming and destroying valuables of those who defied the order.
Even Sunday’s statement by Kanu’s younger brother, claiming suspension of the order, as well as government directive threatening to withhold salaries of workers who did not report to work could not encourage residents to go out to their respective businesses.
Some residents, who spoke to the Nation, said their safety was paramount to them.
The civil servants among them admitted hearing about the government directives but said they did not want to take any chances.
One of them said said: “I had planned going to work today, but when I came out, I couldn’t even find a keke to take me to park, not to talk of the bus that will take me to Awka.”
Another said: “We are ready to forfeit our salaries as long as our lives are intact. Is not when you’re alive that you can work and be paid?”
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