Economic, commercial, and official activities are gradually returning to major cities and towns in Abia and Imo following the cancellation of the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria indicates that markets, motor parks, schools, banks, and government offices in both states are slowly resuming normal operations, marking a cautious but visible return to socio-economic life. Traders and commuters were observed conducting business, albeit with heightened vigilance, as confidence continues to rebuild.
The sit-at-home directive was originally imposed in August 2021 by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the South-East to protest the arrest and continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Over the past four years, the enforcement of the order was accompanied by reported incidents of violence in several communities, towns, and cities within the region, resulting in widespread fear and economic disruption.
Relief came on Sunday, February 8, when IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, announced the “total cancellation” of the sit-at-home directive, citing instructions from the group’s leader. The announcement was welcomed by residents and business owners, many of whom have suffered prolonged losses due to repeated shutdowns.
Since the cancellation, residents of Abia and Imo states have begun returning to their businesses and official duties with renewed optimism. Markets are recording increased activity, banks have reopened more consistently, and public offices are seeing improved attendance.
The survey further noted that socio-economic activities had already returned to Owerri and surrounding areas even before the formal announcement, suggesting a gradual erosion of compliance prior to the directive’s cancellation.
While normalcy is steadily returning, residents remain cautious, hoping that sustained peace and security will consolidate the fragile economic recovery across the South-East.
