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Sit-at-home: IPOB, police showdown looms in S’East today
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Security agencies across the South-East are on high alert ahead of a sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra for today, Monday, February 2, 2026.
The directive, in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market, has sparked tension and confusion among residents, with authorities warning against spreading misinformation.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders, complying with the IPOB sit-at-home order, refused to open their shops on Monday.
He warned that the state government would not hesitate to revoke shop ownership rights or take over and redevelop the market if traders failed to comply.
Soludo insisted that all market traders must open for business on Mondays and sign the attendance register before 10 am.
In support of the traders, IPOB, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, called on traders, transporters, banks, schools, civil servants, and all sectors across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and beyond to observe the solidarity strike peacefully.
The move, however, has further heightened tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, the IPOB leadership has publicly disowned the sit-at-home order, describing the directive circulated under the name “Emma Powerful” as fake and misleading.
In a counter-statement released on Saturday, IPOB lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor said the source behind the directive had been compromised and was acting against the collective interest of Ndi-Igbo.
He insisted that IPOB had formally distanced itself from the false sit-at-home order and directed Ndi-Igbo to go about their lawful activities without fear.
Also, in a press statement released on Saturday, the Head of the Directorate of State, IPOB, Chukwukadia Edoziem, disowned the purported sit-at-home, saying the directive did not get the approval of the IPOB leadership nor represent the position of the IPOB Directorate of State.
“In view of the foregoing, the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra unequivocally states that it did not authorise anyone whatsoever to issue a lockdown sit-at-home order of Biafraland on Monday, February 2, 2026,” Edoziem stated.
Despite the clarification, security agencies in Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and other South-East states assured residents that measures were in place to safeguard lives, maintain law and order, and allow citizens to go about their lawful activities peacefully.
In Anambra State, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, convened an emergency meeting with all area and tactical commanders at the state headquarters in Awka on Sunday.
He directed the immediate intensification of intelligence-led patrols, proactive policing, and surveillance to prevent any threat to lives and property.
In a press statement released after the meeting, the CP urged residents to remain vigilant, discerning, united, and to resist divisive narratives.
“Following the security assessment of the implications, or otherwise, of full resumption of all social, commercial, and official activities in Anambra State on Mondays, the police command has identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts by some non-state actors aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public.
“These misleading narratives are intended to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
“However, the command notes with confidence that Ndi Anambra have remained vigilant, discerning, and united, refusing to succumb to such divisive narratives.
“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continue to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety.
“The police command has directed the immediate intensification of intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive policing operations to forestall any threat to lives and property,” the statement read.
Earlier, the spokesman of the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga, assured residents of their safety, urging them to go about their lawful business on Monday.
“The Anambra State police command, on behalf of all security agencies in the state, assures the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the state,” Ikenga added.
In Ebonyi State, the police said it had put measures in place to protect lives and property.
The state police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, told our correspondent in Abakaliki, “We are prepared for this. We are not resting on our oars.
“Aside from our usual Monday patrols, we have put measures in place to ensure the security of lives and property. We urge members of the public to go about their lawful activities.”
The Imo State police command also assured residents that it had deployed forces in synergy with sister agencies to prevent any security breach.
State PPRO, Henry Okoye, said, “The measures already deployed are yielding significant results, as residents now go about their lawful businesses peacefully on Mondays and other days without intimidation.
The command urged Imolites to remain calm, law-abiding, and to promptly report any suspicious activities, as the police remain committed to the protection of lives and property in the state.”
According to Okoye, the police “Show of Force” and confidence-building patrols have helped assure residents of their safety. “Every Monday, we go for ‘Show of Force’ and confidence-building patrol, and this has helped to build back the confidence of citizens going about their local businesses.
“We will continue with our strategy. We will continue with confidence-building patrols on Monday, and raid suspected criminal hideouts,” Okoye said.
In Abia State, the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, said, “Proactive measures have been emplaced as policemen have been deployed to strategic locations, including flash points, market areas, entry and exit points to forestall any anomaly.”
Also, Governor Alex Otti’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (retd.), told The PUNCH that the government would ensure the security of the lives and property of residents.
“We will continue to provide security for the lives and property. That is the work of the government,” he said.
Also, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Maj Hashimu Abdullahi, said the army had been working round-the-clock and would continue to safeguard residents.
Apart from routine show-of-force patrols, he declined to disclose operational plans.
“The 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri is committed to safety. The army is on alert, and the troops are making sure that everybody lives peacefully.
“Other operational measures involve coordination with all security agencies,” he said.
For residents of Owerri, the state capital, our correspondent observed that the sit-at-home cycle may be gradually winding down as schools, markets, and businesses, including banks, operate on Mondays, though they close earlier than usual. However, the cycle remains in force in hinterlands, especially Okigwe and Orlu zones, as people opt to stay indoors for their safety.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Information, Strategy, and Public Orientation, Declan Emelumba, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls made to his phone.
…Abbas pledge collaboration with opposition leaders to advance 10th Assembly’s legislative agenda
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has formally announced the completion of the minority leadership structure in the 10th House following the nomination and endorsement of three lawmakers to fill vacant principal officer positions.
Speaking during plenary, Abbas informed members that the minority caucus had unanimously agreed on the appointments through a consensus arrangement.
According to the Speaker, the nomination was conveyed to the House in line with the decision of minority members of the 10th Assembly.
He said: “The election of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the minority members of the 10th Assembly hereby unanimously nominate the following members by consensus to fill the vacant positions of the minority in the parliament.”
Announcing the appointments, Abbas stated: “Number one, Minority Leader, Rt. Honourable Frederick Abedi PhD. Number two is the position of Minority Whip, and the person they have endorsed is no other than Honourable Monsur Soro.
He added: “The last but not the least is my brother from the northwest, in person of Rt. Honourable Abdusamadu Dasuki, the position of Deputy Minority Leader.”
Following the announcement, the Speaker congratulated the newly appointed principal officers and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of the House.
He also assured the new opposition leaders of the support of the House leadership as they assume their responsibilities.
“So honourable colleagues, today the body of principal officers is complete, and I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of the whole entire house to congratulate the three people and to wish them all the best in their new positions.
“And let them be assured that the leadership of the house will work with them assiduously in ensuring that we achieve our legislative agenda objectives of this very important 10th Assembly,” Abbas said.
The Speaker wished members well and prayed for continued success in the work of the legislature.
“May God bless you all”, he concluded.
Finally the first set of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Air Peace flight carrying the returnees arrived at the airport around 10:25 am on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, among others, was on hand to welcome the 258 evacuees who were escorted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Ajayi.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria will not stand idly by while its citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment wherever they may be in the world; hence, the swift and necessary action to bring them home.
In a statement following their arrival, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoted Enikanolaiye as commending the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria.
He urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission. The minister said that the Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these incidents.
The minister conveyed the heartfelt greetings and assurances of President Bola Tinubu to the returning nationals.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” the statement read in part. “More flights carrying returnees are expected to arrive in the country in the coming days as the evacuation exercise continues.”
The returning nationals are undergoing the process of documentation, profiling, and necessary medical checks and will be provided with temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families, the ministry said.
Anti-foreigner violence has convulsed South Africa for weeks as gangs armed with sticks, whips, and shields have marched through parts of the “rainbow nation”, demanding that people with no residency papers leave by June 30.
Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs going door to door, families have been forced from their homes, and many have left in the face of the threats.
Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.
South Africa is Africa’s largest economy and hosts more than three million foreigners, just over five per cent of its population, according to the country’s statistics agency.
…Enikanolaiye says rescue mission reflects Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad
By Gloria Ikibah
The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in the country, with the Federal Government describing the operation as a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The returnees landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning aboard a special Air Peace flight arranged and fully funded by the Federal Government.
The evacuees, who were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, were received on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance, stressing that the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority for the administration.
He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world, hence the swift and necessary action to bring our people home.”
The minister noted that the evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation underscores the government’s determination to protect Nigerians from violence, discrimination and intimidation abroad.
The statement stressed that the evacuation should not be interpreted as a retreat but rather as a proactive intervention aimed at safeguarding citizens caught in a difficult situation.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” he added.
Enikanolaiye also commended the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria for its role in ensuring the successful evacuation of the affected citizens.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria remains in active diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country.
“I commend the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission.
“The Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents”, he stated.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening, after which they will receive temporary accommodation and other forms of assistance before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home Nigerians affected by the attacks.
The ministry also appealed for calm while diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis are intensified.
The latest evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have periodically faced attacks, harassment and threats in recent years.
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