Christmas is not the same again for many Anambra and Imo Communities, as the usual mass return expected from people abroad did not happen due to obvious reasons.
TNC Correspondent, who monitored the development in some communities including Enugwu-Agidi, Agulu, Nise, Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State, as well as Akokwa, Osina, Umuobom and Mgbidi in Imo State, reports that major roads where gridlock is usually experienced due to activities of travelers, were free.
Even the first Niger Bridge, which is usally blocked during Christmas was very free, although many attributed the development to the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
However, visits to notable spots where fun seekers normally besiege revealed very empty and scanty scenarios.
Reacting to the development, an Anambra indigene, Barr Caroline Orji-Ekwerekwu, who said she could not travel to her community because of the activities of insurgents, lamented that most of the communities have been taken over by criminals.
“This is a worrisome development for me. When an evil is allowed to fester for so long, it becomes a tradition.
“The problem is that most of us can no longer travel to our country homes due to these insurgents who have practically taken over the places, perpetrating all manner of things.
“This development has made many hi-net worth citizens of the state to distance themselves from their country homes for fear of being kidnapped and it is not good for the Southeast and Anambra economy,” she said.
For another citizen, Okezie Onowu, the very harsh economic times faced by Nigerians as well as the high cost of transportation also contributed to the inability of the people to return home for Christmas.
“Our people have learned to prioritize their needs especially with the harsh economic times everyone is facing.
”An average Igbo man will weigh the options of spending huge amounts of money to either fly by air or move by road and keeping same money to addressing pressing family needs in the new year.
“Immediately after the new year comes school fees and other pressing needs that one must attend to and no sane person will want to engage in such travels, spending outrageous sums only to get back in January with nothing to take care of their needs.
“There is no doubt that the Southeast economy is suffering because the village man or woman who is waiting for those abroad to return so they can sell their wares, can no longer ell because nobody is coming.
“For me, it is a serious source of concern and holds very bad prospects for the Southeast economy,” Onowu said.
On his part, the National President of Igbos for Progressive Nationhood, IPAN, Mr Lawrence Onuzulike said there is something unique about Igbo people coming home at Christmas, that the people are already missing due to the problem on ground.
He equally said the impact of the inability of the people to return home during festive periods, on the State and Southeast economy is quite devastating and the people must rise to the occasion and take back their homeland.
