Police authorities in Anambra State have stepped up security measures ahead of Monday following a sit-at-home call linked to the IPOB
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, summoned an emergency meeting with area and tactical commanders at the police headquarters in Awka on Sunday to address the situation.
The meeting followed online messages calling for a shutdown of activities across the South-East in solidarity with Onitsha Main Market traders.
IPOB, through a statement issued by its spokesman Emma Powerful, had urged traders, transporters, schools, banks and workers to observe the action.
However, the group’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, later dismissed the order, describing it as “fake” and a “calculated falsehood,” and said IPOB had long disowned sit-at-home directives.
After reviewing the security situation, Orutugu ordered stronger intelligence-led patrols, wider surveillance and proactive policing across the state.
He warned residents about what he described as deliberate attempts by non-state actors to spread fear online.
The police chief reassured residents that security has been tightened and urged them to stay calm and law-abiding.
The development comes as the state government confirmed that Onitsha Main Market will reopen on Monday with full security in place.
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