- Traders resumed business at Onitsha Main Market after a one-week closure, complying with Governor Soludo’s directives
- Security forces intensified patrols and warned residents against misinformation from non-state actors, including IPOB
- The reopening reflected both the traders’ resilience and the state government’s commitment to public safety and economic continuity
Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have resumed business following a one-week closure, complying with directives from Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The reopening comes amid heightened security measures and government warnings against adherence to sit-at-home orders issued by non-state actors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The market had been shut after reports suggested that some traders were observing a Monday strike called by IPOB. Governor Soludo warned that failure to reopen could lead to further government-enforced closures.
Channels Television reported on Monday that traders were back at the market as early as 8:45 a.m., preparing their wares across major sections, including Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market, and The Young Park, a primary entrance to the Main Market. Areas such as Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine were bustling, with customers gradually returning to shops.
“It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report noted.
IPOB had earlier called for a lockdown across the South-East in solidarity with Onitsha traders. Through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group urged traders, transporters, banks, schools, and civil servants to observe the strike peacefully. However, IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the directive, calling it “a fake” and “a calculated falsehood,” stressing that the group had long denounced sit-at-home orders.
The Anambra State Police Command also issued a strong warning to residents over threats from non-state actors on social media. In a statement released on Sunday, the police said intelligence assessments revealed “a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts” aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and panic among the public.
“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continues to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety,” the statement added. Authorities further directed intensified intelligence-led patrols, proactive surveillance, and operations to prevent threats to lives and property.
Residents were advised to disregard unverified social media content and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through established emergency channels.
As economic activities resume, the state government has assured traders of full security coverage, emphasising that peace and public safety remain top priorities. Observers say the reopening of Onitsha Main Market signals both compliance with state directives and the resilience of the region’s commercial community.