The ongoing sit-at-home orders across several Igbo states, enforced by factions agitating for Biafra independence, have been a topic of deep contention. This form of protest meant to express dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government, particularly in the southeast, was initially seen as a show of solidarity and a peaceful demand for attention. But as time has passed, the question arises: Is the sit-at-home order truly adding any value, or is it harming the very people it seeks to protect?

The Economic Toll

One of the most visible effects of the sit-at-home is the economic damage it has caused. On designated days, businesses, markets, and schools remain closed, with transport services halted. For a region where many depend on daily trading and small-scale businesses to survive, these shutdowns result in significant financial loss. The informal sector, which forms the backbone of Igbo economic life, is the hardest hit. Many small-scale traders, artisans, and transport workers lose income, and in some cases, families go without food on these days. This disruption is stunting the economic growth of the region and leaving communities struggling under the weight of lost opportunities.

Security Concerns and Fear

Initially, the sit-at-home protests were relatively peaceful, but in recent times, they have been marred by violence. Armed enforcers, often claiming to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been reported to harass and sometimes attack those who choose to go about their daily activities. This creates an atmosphere of fear, with citizens unsure if they are safe in their own communities. Far from fostering solidarity, the violence risks fragmenting the social fabric of Igbo society, as people become increasingly distrustful of their neighbors and wary of stepping out of their homes.

Impact on Education and Health

The education sector is another casualty of the sit-at-home orders. Schools remain shut on these protest days, causing disruptions in learning and leaving students behind in their academic schedules. This is particularly detrimental in a region known for its emphasis on education as a path to success and empowerment. Additionally, healthcare facilities are not spared. Access to hospitals and medical services becomes difficult, and for patients in need of regular treatment, it can be life-threatening.

Cultural and Political Ramifications

The political objectives of the sit-at-home orders pressing for Biafra’s independence and seeking justice for the southeast are important to many, but the methods have begun to backfire. Rather than drawing national or international attention to the cause in a constructive manner, the focus has shifted to the negative impact on the region. Furthermore, the divisions among IPOB factions and other Igbo groups over the efficacy of the sit-at-home protests reveal a fractured movement that could weaken the call for any real change.

The original intent behind the sit-at-home orders may have been noble, but the current realities suggest that it is time to reevaluate their effectiveness. While the cause of Igbo marginalization and self-determination is legitimate, the methods should not cause more harm than good to the people they are meant to serve. The value of any protest lies in its ability to push for change without debilitating the community.

By Edima Columbus