#Sit-at-home Orders Cripple Economic Activities in South East: Abakaliki as a Case Study

The continued enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South East has led to a near standstill in economic and social activities in key cities, with Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, serving as a glaring example. Once known for its bustling markets and busy roads, the city now bears the marks of a region struggling under the weight of unrest and economic paralysis.

Abakaliki’s Famous Spera in Deo Junction: A Ghost Town

Spera in Deo Junction, a well-known landmark on the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway, now stands as a haunting symbol of the impact of the sit-at-home orders. Previously a hive of commercial activity and vehicular movement, the junction is deserted, save for the occasional security patrol. Businesses that once thrived here, including shops, markets, and transport companies, have shut their doors as residents stay indoors to avoid clashes or disruptions.

On regular days, this junction was alive with vendors, commuters, and traders who used it as a strategic meeting point. Its current deserted state mirrors the fear and caution that has gripped the region, where economic stability has been significantly affected by the enforcement of stay-at-home directives.

Impact on Key Roads: Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway and Afikpo Road

The sit-at-home orders have also led to the abandonment of major roads, such as the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway and Afikpo Road. These routes, which are vital for transportation and trade between Ebonyi and neighboring states, are now mostly devoid of traffic on sit-at-home days. Transporters, fearing potential violence or loss of vehicles, have suspended operations on these roads. This has left travelers stranded, while goods meant for delivery remain undelivered, further exacerbating the economic toll.

The lack of movement on these key roads also directly affects local businesses and traders who rely on transportation to bring in supplies and distribute goods. Without vehicles on the road, market activity has been significantly reduced, adding to the financial burden on individuals and companies alike.

Economic Paralysis and Its Ripple Effect

The sit-at-home orders, initially intended as a protest mechanism, have caused widespread economic damage in the South East, with Abakaliki being one of the hardest-hit areas. The region, already grappling with underdevelopment and a struggling economy, now faces increased hardship as businesses shut down for fear of being targeted. Workers and daily wage earners are left without income, worsening the poverty rate in an already challenging economic climate.

Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the region’s economy, are particularly vulnerable. With a lack of customers and the growing fear of unrest, many business owners are struggling to keep their enterprises afloat. The disruption of trade routes has only deepened the economic crisis, cutting off supplies of essential goods and driving prices up.

A Call for Resolution

The sit-at-home situation in the South East, especially in places like Abakaliki, calls for immediate attention. While the orders are born out of political agitation, their long-term impact on the region’s economy and social fabric cannot be ignored. A peaceful resolution between all parties involved is crucial to restore normalcy and revive the economic activities that once sustained these communities.

In the meantime, the once-vibrant Spera in Deo Junction, the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway, and Afikpo Road serve as stark reminders of the toll that unrest and enforced restrictions can take on a region’s growth and development.