By Adeleye Kunle
Social and economic activities in Imo State were halted yesterday in memory of the youths allegedly killed by the state government-sponsored security outfit, Ebubeagu, in Awo-Omamma, Oru East local council area of the state. Drivers of private and commercial vehicles stayed off the roads, and all markets, schools, and shops were closed.
Similarly, banks closed their doors against their customers, and government offices, including courts, remained closed as employees stayed at home.
Track News learned from a resident, whose name has been withheld, over the phone that “serious gunshots were fired from the early hours of yesterday at Akwakuma, Owerri North local government area, by unknown gunmen.”
“Please keep your distance from Akwakuma,” the woman continued. They’ve been shooting since the morning at Akwakuma Junction. My neighbor’s daughter, a student at the Federal Government Girls College in Owerri, and other students who dared to defy the sit-at-home order fled back into the safety of their family homes. They are unsure what to do at the time of our conversation (Saturday Vanguard).”
Ukachi (surname withheld), an Akwakuma indigene, explained: “The sit-at-home order is usually followed to the letter in our place.” On this particular day, some of our people were enjoying themselves at the Junction’s drinking establishment when some security personnel arrived. When they saw the armed security personnel and didn’t know what their mission was, they (the natives and their friends) decided to flee. Before fleeing, the security guards fired shots into the air. There were no injuries or arrests.”
“Everyone who defied the sit-at-home order this morning (yesterday) was running helter-skelter at Wetheral/Douglas Road Junction,” said another respondent in Owerri municipality (names withheld). My daughter, who was on her way to school, was forced to return home.
“The rumor about the sit-at-home order began circulating early in the week, and I’m not sure why the school authorities did not deem it necessary to properly instruct students and their parents on the uncertainties associated with the order.” Our children’s lives are extremely valuable and inalienable.”
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