Commercial banks across Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Monday, October 16, resumed business operations in their respective branches within the city.
Government employees residing in Umuahia also attended their workplaces, while those residing outside the state capital decided to stay home as a precautionary measure to avoid any potential disruptions associated with the anticipated effects of the Indigenous People of Biafra sit-at-home order.
In a viral video at the weekend, a faceless man believed to be a member of the splinter IPOB group issued a series of threats to Aba residents for failing to comply with the IPOB sit-at-home order over some period of time.
The man, who in the video warned that the group would be passing Aba Monday, after they got reports that Aba people no longer comply with IPOB orders, warned that anyone would be caught by his group and would have his or herself to blame.
It was gathered that the video which formed most of the discussions in Aba, the state, and the southeast, forced so many churches that now use Mondays for their religious programmes were forced to cancel them.
A member of a popular church in Aba, Charity Emeruwa, said that their Pastor to the disappointment of the church suspended their Monday and Tuesday services indefinitely, following the tension generated by the video that trended at the weekend, which their pastor said they may not be able to predict what would be the outcome.
Apart from churches, other sections of the state’s economy, including markets; both major and roadsides, schools, and banks closed for businesses.
It was also learnt that while some transport companies shut down operations, others were seen running skeletal services, as the Aba Central Motor Park was closed for business.
Some visitors to the commercial city who missed traveling on Sunday and could not afford to pay for hotel accommodation were seen hanging around some of the motor parks, waiting to board to their locations Monday and Tuesday morning buses.
Sources from Obohia, Overrail, and a few other places told our correspondent that some persons who claim to be IPOB enforcers went after those that opened their shops and businesses Monday morning, as they take advantage of the deplorable nature of the road to the area
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka could not be reached at the time of filing the report, but sources within the circles of security agencies in the state disclosed that they were aware of the video.
