Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, experienced a lull in activities on Monday as many residents stayed indoors, and several businesses remained closed from morning till afternoon.
Major businesses, including banks, petrol stations, and eateries, did not open, while motor parks were largely empty.
A few commercial drivers who ventured out lamented the scarcity of passengers.
Key roads such as Azikiwe Road, School Road, Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba Road, Uzuakoli Road, Bende Road, and Bank Road were noticeably deserted, with only a handful of vehicles and pedestrians visible.
Government offices were also affected, with some civil servants absent, particularly those commuting from distant areas who struggled to find transportation to their workplaces.
The Office of the Head of Service on Library Avenue remained locked as of 1:30 p.m., and many public and private schools in Umuahia reported low attendance.
Despite the subdued atmosphere, no incidents of violence or harassment were reported, and the city remained peaceful.
Men of the Abia State joint security task force, Operation Crush, were seen patrolling various parts of the state to maintain law and order.
However, by 3:00 p.m., the bustling Isi Gate area began to regain some activity, with traders and transporters gradually returning to their shops and stalls, hoping to make evening sales.
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