Enugu Govt Dismisses Illegal Sit-at-Home Order, Urges Citizens to Carry On with Daily Activities

The Enugu State Government has dismissed an illegal sit-at-home order circulated by unidentified individuals, stating that the state has moved beyond such disruptions.

The government encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities, assuring them that security measures are in place to protect lives and property.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, issued a statement on Sunday, addressing a viral video on social media that called for residents of the South East to stay at home on Monday and Tuesday.

“The Enugu State Government frowns at such impudence. The state has long gone past the dark era when criminals and troublemakers dictated when people could go about their daily activities,” Onyia said.

He reiterated that there would be no sit-at-home order anywhere in the state, adding, “All citizens, including civil servants, traders, farmers, students, and business owners, should resume their normal routines.”

The statement further warned that any businesses or workers who fail to operate as usual would face consequences for undermining the government’s efforts to maintain order.

Onyia stressed that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah has demonstrated both the will and capacity to keep the state secure, with security systems in place to track and deal with any criminal threats.

Meanwhile, the state police command also refuted the sit-at-home advisory. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, declared that any attempt to disrupt public order would face “decisive action.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has described the call for a sit-at-home by a faceless criminal element as baseless, unwarranted, and intended to incite fear and unrest,” the police statement read.

CP Kanayo assured residents of the command’s readiness to maintain peace and urged parents to caution their children against involvement in activities that threaten public security.

“The command will deal ruthlessly with any individuals or groups attempting to destabilize the state. Let it be clear: Enugu has moved beyond illegal sit-at-home orders aimed at disrupting the social, economic, and psychological well-being of our people,” the statement added.

The police also confirmed the arrest of individuals linked to the viral video and stated that efforts are ongoing to track down the sponsors behind the misinformation.