Protesters Killed as Enugu Govt. Seals Businesses Amidst Sit-at-Home Order

Two traders protesting against the sealing of their businesses in Ogbete Main Market by the Enugu State Government were allegedly killed by security operatives during the demonstration.

The protest was in response to the closure of their shops for not coming to the market on Monday, in compliance with the sit-at-home order imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East region.

Governor Peter Mbah-led government had declared war on businesses that complied with the sit-at-home order and sealed several shops, malls, and banks on Monday.

The Governor justified the action, stating that the sealed businesses would remain closed for one week. The owners of the sealed businesses were required to provide their current tax clearance certificates and other relevant revenue documents at the end of the week for the state government’s review, otherwise, their shops would be auctioned or permanently forfeited to the government.

In response to the sealing of their shops, some traders demanded that all the sealed shops must be unsealed for business, or they would not open their own shops either. This demand led to a protest in the market, resulting in clashes with security operatives and the tragic loss of lives.

The situation has escalated tensions in the area. The ongoing sit-at-home order is in demand for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021.

The incident has raised concerns about the impact of the sit-at-home order and the government’s response to businesses that comply with it. The closure of the market is likely to have significant economic repercussions on traders and the local community, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved in the coming days.