Imo: Security Agencies Embark On Show Of Force  Over IPOB’s Two Days Sit-at-Home Order

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the declaration of a two-day sit-at-home order in Imo State by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, the Police said it has  deployed enough  officers and equipment to all strategic locations across the State to protect lives and properties.

Effective today October 19, it also informed that it will commence state-wide show of force and confidence building exercises through out the State.

This is even as the Police authorities have called on  law abiding residents to remain calm  and go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation.

The Police action comes on the heels of IPOB’s declaration of Monday October 21 and Tuesday October 22 as sit-at-home in Imo state .

The  Group had called on residents of ,Owerrri,and environs to remain at home through out  the period.

The Imo State Police Command Spokesman, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Saturday October 19, however,urged residents to ignore the order, insisting that the Police, in collaboration with other security outfits are on top of the security situation in the State.

Okoye noted that security agencies have deployed adequate personnel and equipment within and outside Owerri with a view to securing lives and properties.

The Police, while  declaring the sit-at-home order  illegal, called on residents to go about  their normal businesses.

“Starting today, October 19, and continuing through October 23, 2024, security personnel will enhance visibility through patrols.

“Additionally, detectives will conduct reconnaissance operations to gather actionable intelligence.

“These efforts aim to reassure the public and maintain law and order”, part of the Police statement reads.

The Source reports that the IPOB had in 2021 declared Mondays as sit-at-home in South East states as direct response to the arrest and detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

However, following series of allegations of it being hijacked and used for the perpetration of some unintended criminal activities by some elements, the various State Governments in the region decided to ban the exercise.

The Federal Government and Security Agencies have equally described the development as illegal and unacceptable.