Activities in the commercial city of Aba in Abia State were
yesterday stalled as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continued its
protest for the release of its leader and Director of Radio Biafra,
Nnamdi Kanu.
Though the protest was
peaceful, vehicular movement was grounded as the group marched on double lanes
of major roads. The Aba-Owerri Road, Azikiwe Road, Faulks Road, Tonimas,
Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway and other entry and exit routes were blocked.
It was gathered that the
group, yesterday, went round major markets in Aba and warned traders against opening
for business. The order was obeyed except for shop owners within streets who
though opened, closed down upon sighting the crowd.
Most public and private
schools opened for business though they said it was a risky gamble owing to the
tension in town. Most proproetors said they could not close as they were
preparing for the December break.
Banks witnessed low patronage
as only few customers came for business.
Sources said the protesters blocked the Enugu-Port
Harcourt Expressway and prevented vehicles from entering Aba.
The protesters said they
would not relent in their quest to get freedom for Kanu. 65- year-old Jude
Iheme, a pastor, said the actualisation of Biafra was revealed to him in a
dream and so he would not relent until Biafra was realised.
“I don’t believe in violence
or arms bandying because I am a pastor. Since I got a revelation about Biafra,
I have been preaching about it everywhere I go and always joined any pro-Biafra
protest because we need to be free.”
Another protester said the
protest would continue so far the Federal Government refuses to release Nnamdi
Kanu, saying that there would be another protest on the next adjourned date of
his trial.
“Nnamdi Kanu is our leader,
there is no way we will remain quiet while he is facing trial unjustly. How
many of the Boko Haram leaders have they arrested and tried?”
The protest ,which started at
about 7am went on till about 5pm as members of the group were seen on the
streets of Aba still protesting.
Residents have however
lamented their loss since the protest started. They said continuing the protest
in December, a period regarded as the peak of economic activities would not be
in the interest of business owners.
They urged President Muhammadu
Buhari and authorities concerned to seek ways of ending the agitations.
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