Soldiers shut Imo market, mocks traders to stay away ‘until Biafra is achieved’

Timber and building material market in Orlu, Imo state, was on Tuesday, July 27 reportedly shut down by soldiers. The soldiers were said to have asked the traders to “stay at home until the Biafra Republic is attained.

A source told TheCable that the traders were not allowed to open their shops because they closed operations on Monday in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was meant to appear at a federal high court in Abuja.

A trader in the market who chose to remain anonymous confirmed the development. “They prevented people from opening their shades, mainly timber market and building material,” he said.

The soldiers were said to have asked the traders to “stay at home until  Biafra Republic is attained” before they can resume their trading activities.

When contacted on the development, Mike Abatem, police spokesperson in Imo, said he cannot speak on the matter. He said questions should be directed to the army spokesperson in the state.

Babatunde Zubiruo, spokesperson, 34 artillery brigade command in Imo, abruptly ended the telephone conversation after the issue was raised. Subsequent text messages sent to his phone received no response.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was recently arrested and extradited to Nigeria to face trial.

According to reports, Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the federal high court in Abuja in response to years of the campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

Kanu was arraigned before Binta Nyako of the federal high court in Abuja on June 29 after being extradited to Nigeria. His trial was adjourned till July 26 for a hearing.

The trial has now been adjourned till October 21, owing to the failure of the federal government to produce him in court on Monday.