Commercial activities were partially grounded in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Monday, as Igbo traders joined the nationwide protest demanding the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
From the early hours of the day, major markets and business hubs in Akure were deserted as most shops owned by members of the Igbo community were under lock and key in solidarity with the embattled IPOB leader.
Shops and business outlets owned by Igbos along major commercial corridors such as Oyemekun Road, Adesida Road, Arakale Road, NEPA area, Old Garage, and Carl Street were under lock and key throughout the day.
A visit to the affected areas by Nigerian Tribune revealed that while most shops run by Igbos remained shut, those owned by traders from other parts of the country opened for business as usual.
Shops affected include, auto parts dealers, supermarket operators, and electronics merchants of Igbo origin were among those who complied with the sit-at-home directive in solidarity with Kanu.
A tour of major commercial corridors such as Oyemekun Road, Adesida Road, Arakale, NEPA Junction, Old Garage, and Carl Street revealed that shops dealing in auto spare parts, electronics, household items, and supermarkets operated by Igbos remained closed.
The development disrupted business flow in several areas as customers who had visited popular markets for purchases met empty corridors and locked gates.
Only shops owned by Yoruba and Hausa traders were seen open for business, while some petty traders of Igbo origin were also seen standing by their locked shops to monitor developments.
A trader at the Arakale area, who identified himself as Chukwudi, said the action was to show solidarity with their leader and demand justice.
He said ‘We are not fighting anyone. We just want the Federal Government to hear our voice. Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention for too long despite court orders for his release. This is our own peaceful way of supporting him,’
Another trader along Oyemekun Road, Mrs. Ngozi Umeadi, said the decision to shut down their businesses was a collective one taken across several states to draw attention to the continued detention of Kanu.
She said ‘It’s not only in Akure. Everywhere, our people are observing this protest. We believe the government should obey the court and let him go. We want peace, not trouble,’
Meanwhile, there was a heavy presence of security operatives around major intersections and public areas in Akure metropolis, including Cathedral area, Old Garage, and Oja-Oba, to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.
The Ondo State Police Command was said to have deployed officers from various units to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful and to protect lives and property.
As of the time of filing this report, no incident of violence or confrontation had been recorded, and the protest remained largely peaceful.
However, commuters and business owners not involved in the protest expressed concern over the economic implications of the continued agitation, urging the Federal Government and IPOB to seek dialogue and end the standoff.
‘We can’t keep losing business days like this. The government should find a political solution,’ a commercial driver, Sunday Adebayo, said.