Normalcy Gradually Returns Across South-East As IPOB Ends Monday Sit-At-Home
Economic and social activities gradually resumed across the South-East on Monday, February 9, 2026, following a directive by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ordering an end to the long-observed Monday sit-at-home across the region.
IPOB announced the decision in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, urging residents to go about their lawful activities without fear. The move marks a major shift after years of restricted movement, economic disruption and insecurity linked to the weekly shutdown.
In Anambra State, commercial activities resumed cautiously. Major cities including Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia recorded light vehicular and pedestrian movement in the early hours. Markets such as Onitsha Main Market, Sokoto Road, Biafra, Marine, Ose Okwodu and Bida Road reopened, though patronage remained low.
Banks, schools, law courts and petrol stations largely stayed shut, as residents expressed concerns over security and possible attacks by non-state actors. While government-owned schools reopened, student turnout was low, with parents demanding visible security presence.
In Imo State, business activities returned more visibly in Owerri, where major markets including Ekeonunwa (Douglas Market) and World Bank Market operated fully. Banks along Bank Road and Douglas Road opened for business, schools recorded moderate attendance, and roads were busy with commercial traffic.
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A trader, Mrs Adanna Okere, described the development as encouraging.
“All my fellow traders are in their shops. Compared to Saturday trading, customer turnout is still low, but it is a great improvement from previous Mondays,” she said.
Abia State also recorded peaceful resumption of activities in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia, with banks, markets and schools operating normally. Major trading centres, including Ariaria International Market, reopened without incident, as residents exercised personal discretion.
In Enugu State, full commercial and social activities returned. Markets such as Eke Obinagu, Abakpa, Emene and Gariki were active early in the day, while banks, schools and petrol stations resumed operations.
Reacting to the mixed level of compliance, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful said the sit-at-home had been officially cancelled but noted that some residents stayed indoors voluntarily in solidarity with Kanu’s continued detention.
“Parts of Igboland remained under voluntary lockdown today as many citizens chose to observe Monday sit-at-home in solidarity with the continued detention of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, IPOB, through the authoritative proclamation of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, categorically ended the enforcement of Monday sit-at-home.”
Powerful stressed that no enforcement was taking place and that residents would not be harassed for their personal choices.
“Nobody is enforcing sit-at-home, and nobody will be molested for exercising their lawful right. With time, full commercial and economic activities will be restored across the region,” he added.