Free Nnamdi Kanu Protests Ground Activities In Abakaliki, Owerri, Umuahia

Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, witnessed a quiet Monday as residents and traders largely stayed off the streets in solidarity with calls for the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Most banks and markets, including the Abakaliki International Market, Mechanics Village, and Spare Parts Market, remained shut despite being officially open.

Also, the Centenary City State Secretariat was operational, but many workers abandoned their posts amid fears of unrest, according to eyewitnesses.

Movement across the city was limited, with only a handful of commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles in operation. Many commuters were seen walking to their destinations.

In Imo, security was beefed up in the state capital Owerri and environs, following the ongoing protest demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

At the time of filing this report, there is no sign of any protest in Owerri metropolis, but schools, shops and government institutions were under lock and key, with skeletal vehicular movement, eyewitnesses told THE WHISTLER.

Residents were seen converging in front of their premises, discussing the situation.

The Imo State Police Command had earlier assured residents of adequate security amid the planned protest, noting that it had, in collaboration with other sister agencies, deployed security personnel across the state to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that a joint security Show of Force Operation is ongoing across the state – involving the police, military, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC and other relevant agencies.

He maintained that the exercise is aimed at boosting public confidence, reassuring residents of their safety, and warning individuals or groups against any action that may disrupt the existing peace in the state.

Okoye, in the press statement, added that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.

The Commissioner of Police noted that while the Command respects citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, any act capable of disrupting public order or endangering safety will be met with firm and lawful resistance.

He warned all criminal elements and mischief-makers to desist from actions that could threaten the peaceful nature of the state.

In Umuahia, banks, commercial activities, artisans, and schools, among others, were closed as members of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement joined a peaceful protest in solidarity with similar demonstrations held in Abuja and other parts of the country.

Speaking with journalists, one of the protesters, Mr Azubuike, said they came out to demand the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He noted that Kanu, who hails from Umuahia in Abia State, deserves the support of his people.

Another protester criticised the federal government, accusing it of double standards. According to him, “If President Tinubu can release people known to be involved in drug and criminal cases but refuses to free Nnamdi Kanu, who is only fighting for the freedom of his people, then something is wrong with the system.”

A woman protester who joined the protesters emphasised that their movement remains peaceful, stating that they carried no weapons and only wanted their voices heard.

She added that they did not come out to fight but to beg the federal government to obey court orders and release his brother unconditionally.