The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied responsibility for a sit-at-home order declared for Monday and Tuesday, October 21 and 22, 2024. A viral video and voice notes had circulated on social media, warning residents of the South-East to stay indoors on those days.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, attributed the order to criminal elements and Finland-based infiltrators who are not members of the group. He emphasized that IPOB does not declare unnecessary sit-at-home orders and has since suspended them.
“We urge our people to ignore the order and go about their normal business on those days,” Powerful stated. “IPOB doesn’t want to create panic over the matter, but we must clarify that this order did not come from us.”
The false sit-at-home order had generated panic and chaos in Anambra, with courts and schools rescheduling activities and markets experiencing panic buying. In response, IPOB’s denial aims to calm tensions and reassure residents that the order is not legitimate.
Security has been beefed up in Abia and Enugu states to prevent any potential violence or disruptions. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
In Anambra, official and non-official engagements scheduled for October 21 and 22 were rescheduled due to the false order. Law courts postponed cases, and schools halted activities. Markets witnessed panic buying as customers rushed to complete last-minute transactions.
A notice displayed in one of the schools visited in Onitsha read: “Announcement: Good evening Dear Parents and guardians. Based on the circulating threats from IPOB, be notified that there will be no school on Monday and Tuesday, 21st and 22nd October 2024. This is strictly for security reasons.”