SIT-AT-HOME CRIPPLES BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN UMUAHIA. (PHOTO).

 Sit-at-home cripples business activities in Umuahia

Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, was the shadow of itself from morning to afternoon on Monday as many residents of the city stayed indoors while several business outlets did not open.

Businesses including banks, petrol stations and eateries did not open while motor parks were devoid of passengers. A few commercial motorists who came out complained of scarcity of passengers.

Major roads like Azikiwe road, school road, Ikot Ekpene road, Aba road, Uzuakoli road, Bende road and Bank road all looked empty with few individuals and vehicles available.

At government establishments, it was discovered that some civil servants did not come to work as those who come from far distances could not connect vehicles to their offices.

The Office of the Head of Service located at Library Avenue was under lock even at 1:30 pm while many public and private schools in Umuahia recorded a drop in attendance.

However, there was no report of violence or molestation of residents as the state capital and its environs remained peaceful even as men of the Abia State joint security outfit, Operation Crush, patrolled the parts of the state to ensure peace and order.

But by 3:00 pm, Isi Gate, the epicentre of Umuahia, was gradually regaining its buzz when a newsman visited, as many traders and transporters who were hitherto indoors, returned to their shops, hoping to make evening sales.