Economic and social activities were completely paralysed across Enugu State on Monday as residents observed a total lockdown in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
The lockdown, declared by the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), was aimed at demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to this Newspaper, petrol stations, shops, and markets were shut down, while major roads were deserted. Only a few private vehicles and commercial tricycles were seen in operation.
Major routes such as the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, and Enugu–Okigwe–Port Harcourt Highway were particularly affected, with little to no vehicular movement recorded.
In a statement, the OYC described the total shutdown as a “moral and patriotic duty,” stressing that it was a peaceful show of solidarity declaring that the Igbo nation stands with truth, justice, and the rule of law.
The group added that the action was a non-violent demonstration of unity and conscience, meant to draw attention to the perceived injustice and marginalisation of the Igbo people.
While the lockdown is expected to have adverse effects on the state’s economy, with businesses counting losses, the OYC maintained its firm stance on the demand for Kanu’s release, insisting that justice and equality must prevail.
