Sit At Home: Tension In Southeast As IPOB Members Hold Biafra Heroes Day

Ahead of the Biafra Heroes Day declared by the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the South-East today, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, deployed policemen across schools in the state.

Similarly, the Enugu State government rejected IPOB’s sit-at-home order for the day, asserting readiness to resist any attempt at lawlessness.

IPOB, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, had urged the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to postpone WASSCE papers slated for May 30. They also advised Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra to reschedule its convocation planned for the same day.

Observations on Wednesday revealed heightened security in major markets and schools across Anambra State. Residents rushed for last-minute purchases, and some students relocated closer to their exam centers anticipating movement restrictions imposed by IPOB.

Meanwhile, customers flocked to banks and ATM points to withdraw cash for preparations.

In a statement, Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the deployment of security operatives around markets and schools. The move aims to ensure the safety of students during WASSCE amid security concerns.

However, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful insisted that the sit-at-home order remained unchanged, emphasizing the significance of honoring Biafran heroes.

Contrarily, the Enugu State Government maintained that business would proceed as usual, warning against disrupting WASSCE. Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, condemned IPOB’s directive, emphasizing the importance of education for the region’s youth.

The government assured candidates of security during the exams and cautioned civil servants against absenteeism, threatening dismissal for non-compliance.