In response to the sit-at-home order imposed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Enugu State government has issued a stern warning, threatening to close down schools and markets that comply with the order.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, released a statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the situation.

The statement highlighted that “private school owners in the state had sent messages to their students, instructing them not to attend school due to the one-week sit-at-home order declared by unidentified non-state actors.”

The statement reads, “The Enugu State Government is deeply troubled and disappointed by this development and hereby cautions that any school failing to resume normal operations from today will have its license immediately revoked.”

The government also emphasised that all markets and shops in the state must remain open to customers or face indefinite closure.

The government restated its prohibition of any form of unlawful sit-at-home directive across the state, deeming it contrary to the cherished values of the Igbo people, such as industriousness, hard work, creativity, and productivity.

Assuring the public of their safety, the government announced that adequate security measures had been implemented to safeguard lives and property.

In addition, the government issued a warning that it would utilize the full extent of the law, including the Cybercrime Act 2015, to pursue and prosecute individuals and organizations promoting the illegal sit-at-home order.