Social and economic activities were this Tuesday, paralysed in most parts of south-eastern Nigeria as people heeded a sit-at-home call by two pro-Biafra groups to commemorate 50 years of the declaration of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), had, amidst police warnings, asked their supporters to sit at home on May 30th in remembrance of gallant and brave Biafrans who died in the Nigerian Civil War.

“We appeal to Nigerians and the people of southeast in particular to give Biafra’s fallen heroes and heroines the respect they deserve by complying with the planned sit-at-home directive by the IPOB and MASSOB to avoid any embarrassment by the police and the military,” Augustine Egbe, MASSOB coordinator in Anambra State had said in a statement.

Reports reveal that markets, schools, government and privates institutions and offices were under lock and key in major south eastern towns and cities in compliance with the call.

In Abia State, Aba and Umuahia, the two major cities had their streets deserted as shops and most offices were closed even as security operatives were seen patrolling to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

In Owerri, Awka and Onitsha, major markets, transportation companies, parks, shops, and even banks were closed to business activities as traders and workers preferred to remain at home.