Normal business activities resumed at the Onitsha Main Market on Monday as traders reopened their shops after a one-week closure ordered by the Anambra State Government.
The market was shut last week on the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo after some traders allegedly failed to comply with the state government’s instruction to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor gave the order during an on-the-spot visit to the market, warning that the closure could be extended if traders continued to observe the sit-at-home directive. Security agencies were deployed to seal the market during the shutdown.
By Monday morning, activities had picked up significantly within the market. As early as 8:45 a.m., traders were seen opening shops across major sections including Lagos Line, Ado Line, Mandela Line, White House Line, Marine, Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Egerton area, Ose Foodstuff Market, and The Young Park. Observers noted that more than 70 percent of shops were open by 9:30 a.m., with buying and selling going on smoothly.
“It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” a Channels Television report observed during a visit to the market.
Security presence remained heavy as personnel patrolled different parts of the market to ensure safety as traders returned to business.
A trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We are here because the government has assured us of security. We cannot continue to lose our daily income.”
Despite the activity inside the market, the situation was different on major roads in Onitsha. Areas such as the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Upper Iweka, and Mkpikpa Road were largely deserted, with minimal vehicular movement. Major motor parks also remained closed.
The reopening followed warnings from the state government and security agencies against compliance with directives from non-state actors.
The Indigenous People of Biafra had earlier called for a sit-at-home across the South-East in solidarity with Onitsha traders. However, IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the lockdown call as fake, describing it as “a calculated falsehood” and urging the public to ignore it.
The Anambra State Police Command also warned residents against misinformation spread on social media. “The Police Command has identified a deliberate pattern of coordinated social media posts aimed at spreading fear and panic among the public,” the statement said.
The police added that such actions were intended “to undermine public confidence and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the state,” while urging residents to rely on verified information and report suspicious activities.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified social media content being propagated by non-state actors and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation,” the statement said.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and public safety in the state, as the Anambra State Government assured traders of full security coverage with the gradual return of economic activities.
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