Abstract
This paper examined the effects of the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) every Monday on the economy of the South East region. The declaration was a result of the abduction of their leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya and committal into prison and who is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja for treason and terrorism. Undoubtedly, the South East geopolitical zone was one of the leading zones in economic vibrancy and development of Nigeria as a nation before the declaration of the sit - at - home. This has given rise to the sudden establishment of a militia group nicknamed Unknown Gunmen whose activities has negatively affected the economy, security and development in the region. Methodologically, the paper adopted the qualitative method. The study, therefore, relied mainly on secondary and primary (interview) source of data collection. The data were descriptively analyzed with the use of content analysis. The study adopted social contract theory as a framework of analysis. The paper discovered the rising membership numbers of the militia group the Unknown Gunmen in almost every State in the South East and this has adversely affected the individual and collective economy of the region and the country at large. This has affected also the foreign investment, employment, security, development and caused a serious decline in economic activities within South East. The study recommended immediate dialogue to politically discuss the release of IPOB leader and to establish a Bureau to interface with their membership to change their orientation and offer them amnesty and rehabilitate them particularly those residing in the forest.