Imo Residents Defy Protest, Choose Sit-at-Home

Imo residents shun protest, observe Sit-at-home...

Imo State residents forced to stay indoors due to fear and intimidation, unable to protest or engage in economic activities, causing a near-total collapse of the state's economy.

Fear and trauma from past violent incidents, involving unknown gunmen who brought terror, death, and injury, have left Imo State residents too afraid to venture out and participate in protests. This lingering fear has led to a widespread adherence to the sit-at-home order.

Consequently, the designated protest venue, Freedom Square Park in Owerri, remains deserted and empty, a stark contrast to what would be expected on a day of planned protest. Notably, the sit-at-home order is not considered an effective or recognized form of protest, highlighting the impact of fear and intimidation on the community's ability to express themselves.

According to a source, “Imo State is experiencing a 'sit-at-home' situation because people are afraid to go out following previous events where unknown gunmen inflicted terror, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.”

Imo State residents are eager to exercise their right to protest, but the prevailing atmosphere of fear and intimidation has severely restricted their freedom of movement, leaving them unable to participate in demonstrations.

The state's economy has suffered significantly as a result, with reports indicating a near-total collapse of economic activities. The lack of freedom of movement has brought daily life to a standstill, preventing residents from going about their usual business and hindering the state's economic progress.