Igbo traders and residents in Rivers State especially Port Harcourt, the state capital, disregarded the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
All markets bubbled in the capital city and all roads experienced usual traffic as residents went about their normal activities.
Schools were opened across the state as banks and offices operated without molestation.
The Ikoku spare parts market, which used to partially comply with the order, was, however, undergoing demolition following a notice by the state government that the area had been marked for a flyover construction.
Some of the traders, who spoke in confidence, said they didn’t comply because undertaking such action would not feed their families.
“The economy I tough. My family needs to eat and you say I should stay at home. Will staying at home feed me and pay all my bills,” a trader queried.
But there was partial compliance in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state where most residents stayed away from the streets out of fear of possible violence.
All the popular markets in the area including Eke Oyigbo ultra-modern market witnessed skeletal activities.
Owners of shops on major streets stayed away to avoid possible attacks from IPOB members.
A lady, who spoke in confidence, said fear of the ugly incident that occurred last year compelled people to stay at home out of fear.
“It is out of fear that made most people to stay in their homes, nothing else. You can see that those who are not afraid are out and they are doing their normal business”, she said.
A sachet water seller said: “Those that locked up their shops did so because they don’t want to witness what happened last year again. Nobody is entering inside the market to buy or sell because everybody is afraid.
“But those of us that came out did so because there is no food in the house. As you can see I am carrying sachet water and if I don’t come out to sell my children will not eat. Anybody, who says we should stay at home, should provide food for us to eat.”
