The governor of Enugu threatens to punish traders, bankers, and educators who follow the sit-at-home directive.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has announced that his administration will take action against schools and businesses that comply with the two-day sit-at-home order declared by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Chidiebere Onyia, the state government’s secretary, made this clear during a joint press briefing with security chiefs, following a tour of various institutions, including schools, businesses, financial establishments, and markets in Enugu.

The security officials accompanying Onyia included Brigadier-General Steven Dogo, Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army; Theresa Egbunu, Director of the State Security Service in Enugu; and CP Anayo Uzuegbu, the Enugu State Police Commissioner. The sit-at-home order, which was called for by a factional leader of IPOB, Simeon Ekpa, affected the entire South-East region on Monday and Tuesday.

Onyia emphasized that teachers, private and public schools, as well as businesses and financial institutions, that participated in the shutdown would face sanctions from the government. He reiterated the state’s firm stance against compliance with the illegal directive, warning that such behavior would not be tolerated.

Onyia praised the residents of Enugu for resisting the sit-at-home order, calling those enforcing the directive “enemies of progress.” He assured that Enugu remained open for business and committed to fostering an environment where the private sector could thrive. Furthermore, he noted that since Governor Mbah canceled the sit-at-home, there had been no incidents on any Monday.

To maintain order and public safety, the government, along with security forces, patrolled the state to ensure citizens felt secure. Onyia stressed that more security personnel would be deployed if necessary to reassure the public and to enforce sanctions on institutions defying the ban.