Virtually all markets in Anambra State were closed on Saturday as indigenes complied with a sit-at-home order declared by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra.
In Awka, the state capital, the major streets were empty while the main market, Eke Awka, was deserted. There were however skeletal trading at Amaenyi and Kwata markets.
In Onitsha, two people suspected to be members of MASSOB were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in somersaulted as they tried to escape from security agents that were pursuing them.
In other places in Onitsha, MASSOB members walked about with machetes and other weapons to enforce the sit-at-home.
At Oba, near Onitsha, a clash between MASSOB members and the police left a police van burnt and two other vehicles destroyed. About 10 people were injured in that clash.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, denied that there was clash between the police and MASSOB members at Oba.
He said the police van burnt was a broken down vehicle that was at an auto mechanic workshop.
Other places where the sit-at-home took effect included Ogbaru, Anambra East and West, Oyi Idemili North and South Local Government areas, Nnewi and Ekwulobia areas.
Shops located along the street, including business centres were shut. But some traders stayed close to their shops and attended to customers that were in need.
None of the markets in Onitsha, Idemili North and South and Ogbaru Local Government Areas,
There was presence of the army, the police and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps on the streets of Onitsha and its environs to ensure the security of lives and property.
In Nnewi, there was a partial compliance with the order as some offices opened for business but some located along major roads and streets were shut.
The major market in the city, Nkwo Nnewi Market opened for business but attendance was low. Other smaller markets were shut.
MASSOB’s Director of Information, Mr. Uchenna Madu, said the compliance with the order showed an acceptance of the group’s programme by the people.
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