The economic fortunes of Imo State further nosedived as banks, marketplaces and schools failed to open in Owerri and the other parts of the state on Monday.
In Owerri, major markets were shut as the effects of the sit-at-home order were compounded by the resurgence of criminal activities in the state recently, thereby frightening residents.
It was gathered that major streets in Owerri were almost deserted as banks and schools failed to open.
“This is the worst sit-at-home order in Imo State in the past six months. Everybody is afraid. Nobody took his or her child to school. Even artisans on the roadsides are sitting back at home and we are afraid that we might be attacked if we open today,” James, a motor spare parts dealer, stated.
From Bank Road to Okigwe Road, down to Orji in Owerri, no bank was opened as few people trekked along the roads, while cars drove by occasionally.
Ekeukwu Owerri and Relief markets, the biggest market places in Owerri, were shadows of themselves on Monday.
Government Boys Secondary School, Owerri, was deserted even though the gate of the school was opened.
It was the same situation at Imo Girls Secondary School, Owerri, Comprehensive Secondary School, Orji, Ihitte Mbieri Primary School, Orji Town’s Primary School and other schools that our correspondent visited.
On Saturday, gunmen razed the country home of the state Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Ford Ozumba, in Orsu and the Mbieri Divisional Police Headquarters.
Gunmen also torched the Orsu Local Government Area Council Headquarters, burning several vehicles on Saturday.
In the last one month, gunmen have attacked Umuguma, Omuma, Otoko, Isu and Okwelle Divisional Police Headquarters, killing two policemen, burning vehicles and freeing suspects in detention.
