Economic activities were grounded in major cities of states in the South- South and South East of Nigeria following the declared protest against bad governance and hunger which commenced this Thursday,1/8/24.
While residents shunned protest march in cross river and remained in their houses, same was not the case in Rivers State where some groups defied odds to still march along major roads.
In Abakiliki, Ebonyi State capital, it was all is calm on the first day of the scheduled 10-days #EndBadgovernanceinNigeria nationwide protest, but there was no presence of protesters
At the Pa Ngele Township stadium in Abakaliki, a strategic location in the metropolis where protesters usually use as take-off point in past actions, the area looked empty and deserted, without any sign of protesters at about 8:10am.
However, there were only few vehicular and human movements on the busy Udensi traffic roundabout, Abakaliki, as against what it used to be on a normal week work day and businesses and public places remained largely shut at the time of this report.
As expected, there was a heavy presence of security agents on the streets and strategic locations in the Abakaliki metropolis.
Also, Enugu remained quiet and largely inactive on the first day of the much-discussed Nationwide Protest, as citizens, particularly the youth, looked disinterested in participating.
However, an air of uncertainty among residents about what the day might bring may have prompted many to stay off the roads and remain indoors.
At Okpara Square, a strategic location in Enugu’s capital city known for hosting large gatherings, including protests, the atmosphere was subdued, with a noticeable absence of large crowds.
Recall, prior to this highly anticipated protest, several youth groups in Enugu, including the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, publicly distanced themselves from the event to avoid the consequences faced during the EndSARS protest in 2020.
Like other South East States, Abia was not different as the cities of Aba and Umuahia didn’t bubble with activities as usual.
Residents in the capital city, Umuahia, were very apprehensive as many shops remained closed while a few courageous ones opened for business with guarded caution and security measures.
Tertiary institutions in the state such as ABSU and MOUAU shelved academic activites as precautionary measures, while many commercial banks did not open for business for fear of attack
According to Hanto Daily News Correspondent, Aba usually known for its beehive of activities was a shadow of itself as the major roads and streets were deserted
Along Park -Asa down to Portharcourt road, only few Keke operators were seen moving about while majority of the streets were used by the youths to play football.
The popular Ariaria international market, Main gates of the markets including Ahia óhûrû, Shopping Center, St Michaels and motor parks were locked leaving only the small entrances open with handful of traders were seen for business.
Along the Ogbor Hill axis of New Umuahia road, Opobo junction down to Akpaa Mbaato as well and Umukalika Ahia nkwo, only the kiosk owners partially opened for business while few people move out for personal reasons.
In Owerri, Imo State capita, it was uneasy calm as the roads were empty, .people decided to remain in their houses with civil servants staying away from their offices and markets under lock and key.
Speaking with our Reporter, Some residents attributed it to the killing of some police men and some innocent people last three days as well as the show of Force by some police men in some strategic places in Owerri by shooting sporadically.
