#FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protests: South-East Peaceful as Schools, Markets, and Banks Shut Down

Economic and social activities were completely paralysed across the South-East states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi on Monday as residents observed the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests declared by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, PulseNets learnt.

In Enugu, PulseNets observed that all major markets — including Aria Market, Ogbete Main Market, Mayor Market, Kenyatta Market, Artisan Market, and Coal Camp Spare Parts Market — were under lock and key as of 11:00 a.m. Schools, banks, transport parks, and business outlets were all closed, while streets appeared unusually deserted.

The once-busy roads in the metropolis were silent, with only a few commercial vehicles seen moving cautiously, mostly without passengers. Security was visibly heightened as combined police and military patrols stationed armoured vehicles at key points, with a helicopter hovering over the city for surveillance.

A trader in Enugu, Ikechukwu Aniku, told PulseNets that the closure of shops was largely voluntary.

“Many of us decided to close our shops in solidarity with the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. We are not violent, but we want the government to hear our voices,” he said.

Some parents who spoke to PulseNets said they kept their children home for safety reasons.

“I can’t risk sending my kids to school when the situation is uncertain. They are safer at home today,” said Nkemdilim Nwadialor, a resident of Independence Layout, Enugu.

When contacted, the Enugu State Police Command dismissed reports of unrest, insisting the state remained calm and peaceful.
The command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, told PulseNets:

“There is no security threat in Enugu. The state is peaceful, and our officers are on standby to ensure safety across all areas.”

A similar atmosphere was recorded in Ebonyi State, where markets, banks, and government offices in Abakaliki remained closed. PulseNets obtained that while no protest took place, residents chose to stay home in solidarity.

A businessman, John Nwangele, explained to PulseNets that staying home on Mondays had become a routine in the region.

“It’s no longer news in the South-East. Every Monday, people observe this sit-at-home. All we ask is for the government to free Nnamdi Kanu so that peace can return to Igbo land,” he said.

The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, told PulseNets there were no directives from the government to close down markets or offices.

“What we saw was fear of the unknown, not enforcement. The state is calm; there was no protest or violence,” he noted.

Also speaking, the Commander of Ebonyi Neighbourhood Watch, Victor Chibuoyi Nwenyi, described the peaceful environment as a sign of maturity.

“People have the right to express themselves peacefully. We are on duty to maintain calm, and so far, Ebonyi has remained peaceful,” he added.

In Anambra State, PulseNets reported that major markets and motor parks in Onitsha were deserted. Commercial activities in Awka and Nnewi were also grounded. Despite the widespread shutdown, Governor Chukwuma Soludo continued his campaign activities in Awka ahead of the November 8 governorship election, suggesting that the state government was unshaken by the development.

Also Read: Nationwide Alert: Police Move To Counter #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protests On Monday

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests, which have continued intermittently across the South-East for years, once again demonstrated the region’s deep-rooted sentiment over the detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, as residents balance fear, solidarity, and a quiet demand for justice.