Several arguments have been raised concerning the sit-at-home order from the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB). Most of the arguments hold that IPOB should allow peace to reign by shelving their plans.
While the group has maintained its stand that the order remains sacrosanct, prominent Nigerians including governors of concerned states have strongly criticised the move, citing the severe economic implications.
It is no longer news that the proscribed group issued the sit-at-home order to demand for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu who was remanded over serious charges levelled against him by the federal government.
Other indigenous groups have expressed their intentions to support the sit at home order despite all attempts by concerned state governments to frustrate the order by issuing threats to sack civil servants who fail to resume work.
Despite these measures, there is possibility that the sit at home order will hold because it is driven by sentiments. Reacting to the sit-at-home order issued by the IPOB, the police have strongly condemned it and asked residents of affected states to ignore the order.
Following the verbal exchange of words between the police and the proscribed group, the possible outcome of the sit at home order is clear and tends towards a dangerous path if it holds.
One of the possible outcomes of the sit at home order is massive killings. Both the police and Biafra agitators will likely clash and it will be a bloody one. There will likely be selective killings. Recall how an ex-Jonathan’s aide was killed on his way to airport during the recent sit-at-home order. There might be many unrecorded killings that took place which further justifies that massive killings may likely take place, if the move is not reconsidered.
Another possible outcome is starvation. There will be increased in poverty index because most residents live on daily earnings. Shops will be closed which will greatly affect the fragile economy, raising the bar of poverty and hunger.
There will also be multiple arrests of members of the proscribed groups across concerned states which will heighten the insecurity in these states. There is possibility that hoodlums will take advantage of the order to engage in criminal acts such as looting. Government properties will be attacked by the aggrieved members of the IPOB, causing a deficiency in the infrastructural growth of concerned states.
Killing, starvation, multiple arrests, attacks on government properties are ill winds that blow nobody any good. All hands must be on deck and there must be geninune reconciliation. The proscribed group must not only consider their interest but also the safety, welfare and comfort of the people too.