Economic activities were largely disrupted in Enugu State on Monday as residents observed the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest declared by Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters.
Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the situation, reported that all major markets in Enugu metropolis and across the state were shut. These include Aria Market, Ogbete Main Market, Mayor Market, Kenyatta Market, Artisan Market and Coal Camp Spare Parts Market.
Public and private schools were also closed, with no pupils seen heading to school. Banks, malls, motor parks, shops and other public institutions were similarly shut down due to fears surrounding the planned protest.
Empty Streets and Tight Security
The normally busy roads in the state capital were nearly deserted. Private vehicles were barely seen, while a few commercial vehicles moved with little or no passengers.
Security presence was heightened, as police and military armoured vehicles were positioned at strategic locations. Surveillance helicopters were also seen hovering over parts of the city.
Residents React with Caution and Solidarity
A shop owner in Coal Camp Spare Parts Market, Mr. Ikechukwu Aniku, said many traders closed their shops in solidarity with the protest. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
Some parents told NAN they kept their children at home out of fear of possible violence, noting that several schools had advised them not to send pupils.
“They are safe staying home today. I cannot risk sending my kids to school because of the rumoured protest; no one knows what might happen,” said Mrs. Nkemdilim Nwadialor.
Police: No Security Threat in Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command, however, dismissed claims of unrest. Its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the state remained calm and peaceful.
“There is no security challenge and no protest in the state,” he said, adding that the command had made strategic deployments to handle any eventuality.
NAN observed that while the atmosphere was peaceful, most residents stayed indoors and only a few people were seen moving around.
