Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week following its compliance with Monday sit-at-home directives linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Governor Soludo announced the decision on January 26 during an unscheduled visit to the market, which had remained closed in observance of IPOB’s sit-at-home order demanding the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The governor declared that any market in Anambra State that shuts down on Mondays would face a one-week closure, warning that repeat violations would attract more severe sanctions.
According to the governor, the sit-at-home practice amounts to economic sabotage, costing Anambra State an estimated ₦8 billion in economic activity every week.
Tension escalated on Tuesday as traders protested outside the sealed market gates, demanding access to their shops. The protest later degenerated into clashes with security operatives, with police reportedly dispersing the crowd using tear gas.
Meanwhile, IPOB called for the immediate reopening of the market, while critics of the government’s action urged authorities to pursue dialogue rather than punitive measures to address the situation.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension in Nigeria’s South-East region, where economic realities continue to clash with political agitation and demands for justice.
