Umuahia Shuts Down in Solidarity with #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest

Umuahia, the Abia State capital, came to a complete standstill on Monday as residents stayed off the streets and closed their businesses in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore.

The usually busy city roads were nearly deserted, with only a handful of tricycles and private vehicles seen moving around.

Commercial and economic activities were completely grounded — markets, banks, petrol stations, and motor parks all remained closed, while schools, both private and public, suspended academic activities.

According to reports, some schools had earlier informed parents over the weekend not to bring their children to school on Monday due to the planned protest.

Although no major processions had begun at the time of filing this report, the general atmosphere in the city reflected widespread support for the movement demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

A convoy of joint security patrol vans was spotted along Uwakala Road, apparently monitoring the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

At the popular Isigate market, traders stayed away, leaving their stalls covered and the usually bustling area unusually quiet.

Other major locations in the capital — including Post Office/Abia Tower Junction, FMC/Bank Road Junction, and several adjoining streets — were also deserted, turning Umuahia into a ghost town.

Details later…