The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has refuted claims that it issued a sit-at-home directive for October 21 and 22 across Igbo land. The group stressed that it always makes official announcements when such orders are made and urged the public to disregard what it described as a false and "obnoxious order" by criminals aiming to tarnish IPOB’s reputation.
In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group clarified that they do not enforce sit-at-home orders without legitimate reasons.
"IPOB did not order a two-day sit-at-home, and we don’t want to create panic over inconsequential directives from infiltrators," he said. "We are not in the habit of threatening Ndigbo. Whenever we declare a sit-at-home, it is made public. Our people should ignore these false orders from criminals working to tarnish the peaceful image of the IPOB movement."
Despite IPOB’s denial, commercial activities in Aba, Abia State, were heavily disrupted due to a sit-at-home declared by suspected pro-Biafra groups. Schools, banks, markets, and businesses were shut down, and major roads like Azikiwe, Faulks, Ngwa, Aba-Owerri, and Obohia were deserted. Security forces, including combined teams of soldiers and police, were seen patrolling key areas of the city.