Shops, banks, and transport services remained closed across South East states as Monday sit at home persisted despite cancellation directives.
Shops, commercial banks, public schools, and transport parks remained completely closed across major cities in the South East region on Monday, September 7, 2026, as residents continued to stay indoors for the weekly Monday sit at home.
The widespread shutdown was observed in principal urban centers including Enugu, Aba, Umuahia, Onitsha, Awka, and Owerri.
Major highways connecting the eastern states recorded very few vehicles, while big markets like Ariaria International Market in Aba and Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State remained largely empty throughout the morning and afternoon hours.
This persistent lockdown continues to affect everyday business activities, petty trading, artisan work, and school calendars for millions of families living across the five South East states.
The main reason why people across the region are still staying at home every Monday is out of heavy fear of unknown gunmen and secret enforcers who attack citizens who come out to trade.
Even though the Indigenous People of Biafra and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, have officially called for a total end to the mandatory Monday sit at home order, many traders and bus drivers still feel unsafe opening their businesses without strong, visible security teams on every street.
Many residents also choose to stay indoors voluntarily as a peaceful protest to demand the complete release of Nnamdi Kanu from government custody.
Because armed groups previously burned vehicles and attacked markets, many parents prefer to keep their children safe at home until total peace returns.
Community leaders and local business unions have urged the government to increase police patrols and restore public confidence so that economic life can return to normal across all towns.
Addressing the situation and explaining why many towns remained quiet despite official directives, the Indigenous People of Biafra stated that citizens are acting on their own choice.
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Explaining the mood of the people, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful noted that “parts of Igboland remained under voluntary lockdown today as many citizens chose to observe Monday sit at home in solidarity with the continued detention of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”.
Stressing that no armed group is forcing residents to lock their shops anymore, the media publicity secretary clarified the official position of the organization.
Reassuring the public on safety, Emma Powerful added that “nobody is enforcing sit at home, and nobody will be molested for exercising their lawful right to civil disobedience”.
While state governors have asked markets and civil servants to open, many business owners still exercise caution on Mondays.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
