“Stay Indoors to Avoid Trouble, Nigerian Army May Engage in Confrontation – Source”

In the lead-up to October 21 and 22, Southeast Nigeria was gripped by fear and uncertainty as voice notes and video messages circulated, urging a two-day stay-at-home order. The messages claimed the launch of the Biafra flag, along with armored vehicles, was imminent, causing panic despite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) distancing itself from the directive.Continue Reading>>>...CONTINUE READING>>>

The videos, showing military vehicles and people dressed in military gear calling themselves Biafra Warriors, threatened consequences for those who ignored the order. One video, accompanied by gunshot sounds, warned, The Nigerian Army will confront us, so stay indoors with your family to avoid trouble.

The message spread quickly on social media, reaching many residents who didn’t know the person in the video but chose to comply out of caution.On October 21 and 22, the fear led to the closure of markets, schools, banks, and government offices across all five Southeastern states.

Public transportation and travel stopped, leaving the entire region silent and tense. This sit-at-home order, while not the first, garnered widespread attention due to its scale.Although IPOB clarified that the videos weren’t officially sanctioned by any group factions, including those led by Nnamdi Kanu or Simon Ekpa, many residents chose to stay indoors. Continue Reading>>>

IPOB encouraged people to disregard the message as false information, but fear had already taken hold, leading many to stock up on supplies in anticipation of restricted movement.This response highlights the vulnerability in the Southeast, where many feel pressured to follow orders, even from unverified sources, out of concern for their safety. Community members expressed frustration over what they see as ineffective security from the Nigerian military, noting that soldiers are more focused on roadblock tolls than ensuring public safety.

The sentiment underscores the challenges of life in the region, where rumors and threats can bring entire communities to a halt. This recent self-imposed lockdown reflects the fragility of peace in the Southeast and underscores how misinformation on social media continues to influence public behavior in an already tense environment.