By Okey Maduforo Awka
Traders and Commercial vehicle operators call the Sit At Home Order by gunmen bluff and opened their shops and parks to do business this Monday.
Recall they in the past traders and commuters have always been apprehensive of doing business every Monday in Anambra state for fear of being attacked by suspected gunmen in the areas
But this Monday ,banks , markets and motor parks opened for their routine businesses without fear of any form of molestation or attack.
Speaking with reporters the traders lamented that they are losing a lot due to the Sit At Home Order adding that most of their customers are afraid to do business with them most Mondays .
Mrs Ada Nwokoye said ” What is the point telling us to stay at home when you did not provide food for us to eat ? ”
“How about those that depend on daily job to feed their family and you tell them to stay at home and who and how do they feed their families?”
At most markets in Onitsha, Awka , Ekwulobia and Nnewi commercial activities have been reactivated due to the improved security situation in those towns as a joint team ot Army , Police and the Agunechemba Security Squad has taken over operations and formations in the area .
Last Monday Sit At Home the Anambra Police Command has redeployed officers and men in the state for effective information gathering and to avert attacks by gunmen which led to the the opening of most markets in the state.
Speaking during the inspection of markets and motor parks and Anambra state the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochikwu Ikenga said;
“The CP Ikioye Orutugu was concerned about how the illegal act has negatively affected the social and economic growth of the State. He emphasized on the need to educate the public about the negative impacts of the order and promised to promote a return to normalcy in the State’
“This is among the strategies of the new leadership of the Anambra State Police Command to address the attitude of the people on ideology based on crime”
“This includes attack of unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, kidnapping/abduction of persons and destruction of government infrastructures and other sundry offences.”
“The CP noted that Anambra State is blessed with vibrant, energetic and enterprising people full of potential.”
” These potentials can only be fully realized in a peaceful, secure environment. He also stated that the State mainly survives on buying and selling and encourages Ndi Anambra/residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear’
“He assured that the Police and other security agencies have taken over the streets especially on Mondays and other days to sustain safety in the State”
‘He further assured that the Police is also collaborating with local leaders and stakeholders to address the underlying issues driving the “Sit-At-Home” order and find a lasting solution to the menace” he said.
