According to the report from the Vanguard, In the weeks leading up to October 21 and 22, Southeast Nigeria witnessed a surge of fear and uncertainty following the circulation of voice notes and video messages that called for a region-wide two-day sit-at-home....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
The messages, reportedly calling for residents to stay indoors due to an impending launch of the Biafra flag and armoured tanks, sparked widespread anxiety and led to the near-total shutdown of the region despite efforts by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to distance itself from the directive.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The videos, which threatened retaliation against anyone who defied the order, showed military vehicles and individuals in military attire, claiming to represent Biafra Warriors.
The speaker in one video warned residents, stating, “The Nigerian Army will come for confrontation, which you guys know. Therefore, stay indoors with your family to avoid problems… it’s going to be terrible, horrific, as sounds of gunshots played in the background. The speaker urged viewers to share the video widely, so that those who have not heard will hear.”
This message spread rapidly across social media, reaching a broad audience that included residents who were not familiar with the figure in the video but nevertheless chose to heed the warning.
As a result, on October 21 and 22, markets, schools, banks, and government offices in all five Southeast states were closed. Public transportation and interstate travel also came to a halt, creating an atmosphere of silence and fear throughout the region.
The sit-at-home days drew considerable public attention, marking an unprecedented event since IPOB first introduced the practice over three years ago.
Despite IPOB’s attempts to clarify that the videos were not endorsed by any faction of the group—including both the Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa-led branches—many residents still opted to remain indoors. IPOB, through various channels, emphasized that residents should disregard the video, dismissing it as misinformation.
Nevertheless, the pervasive climate of fear drove residents to prepare for a potential crisis, stocking up on food and other essentials in anticipation of restricted movement.
This reaction has become emblematic of the larger challenges facing Southeast Nigeria, where individuals often feel compelled to obey orders—even those from unofficial sources—due to fears for their personal safety.
Community members have expressed frustration at the inability of the Nigerian military to provide effective security, which many feel has left them vulnerable to intimidation by such unsanctioned messages.
One resident noted, “The military men who mount roadblocks are only good at extorting innocent commuters and never play a significant role in providing security for the people.”
This sentiment reflects the deep-seated concerns that continue to shape public life in the region, where any mention of threats or directives, even from unknown figures, is enough to paralyze entire communities.
This latest episode of a self-imposed lockdown underscores the fragility of peace in the Southeast and highlights the increasing influence of social media and misinformation in a region already grappling with political and social unrest.…..For More READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
