Business Activity Resumes in Parts of Southeast as Sit‑At‑Home Loses Grip

In Abia and Anambra states, many residents and business owners began resuming their normal routines after a weekend call for a weekly sit‑at‑home protest linked to supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Despite appeals from some pro‑Biafran groups for people to stay indoors on Monday, a significant number of markets and shops reopened and streets saw increased movement.

In Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, commercial hubs registered low but growing foot traffic, with several banks and stores welcoming customers throughout the day. Traders in Aba’s busy districts similarly returned to work, though some shops opened later than usual.

Meanwhile in Anambra State, authorities continued efforts to encourage residents to ignore calls for shutdowns, with many businesses in urban centres operating as normal.

The partial return to everyday business follows months of intermittent sit‑at‑home actions that have disrupted commerce and daily life across the South‑East. State governments have repeatedly urged citizens to carry on with work and school, while critics of the protest tactics argue that regular economic activity benefits local communities more than prolonged shutdowns.