The Abia State capital, Umuahia, was brought to a complete standstill on Monday as residents observed a massive shutdown in solidarity with the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu movement led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
Major roads across the city were deserted, with only a few tricycles and private vehicles spotted moving around. Shops, markets, schools, and banks all remained closed, paralysing economic and social activity across the state capital.
Reports from several neighbourhoods indicated that the usually busy Isigate Market, Post Office Junction, Abia Tower, and FMC/Bank Road Junction were eerily quiet, with most traders staying home. Tables and goods at roadside stalls were covered, leaving the streets looking deserted.
Both private and public schools failed to open their gates for learning, following prior warnings sent to parents over the weekend advising them to keep their children at home for safety reasons. Petrol stations and motor parks also joined the shutdown.
A convoy of joint security operatives was seen patrolling Uwakala Road and other strategic locations to monitor the situation, though the atmosphere remained largely calm.
The city-wide lockdown marks one of the strongest showings of solidarity yet in the campaign demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in detention under the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
