Governor Chukwuma Soludo
Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State resumed business on Monday after a one-week closure ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The reopening followed warnings by the state government and security agencies against compliance with sit-at-home orders linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The market was shut last week after reports that some traders observed a Monday sit-at-home directive circulated on social media. Governor Soludo had warned that continued closure could lead to tougher sanctions.
On Monday morning, traders reopened shops across key sections of the market, including Egerton Road, Ose Foodstuff Market, Young Park, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, Marine, and Emeka Offor Plaza. Business activities began as early as 8:45 a.m., with customers gradually returning.
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IPOB had earlier called for a lockdown across the South-East in solidarity with the traders. However, the group’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the call, describing it as fake and urging the public to ignore it.
The Anambra State Police Command also warned residents against misinformation spread by non-state actors online, saying such messages were designed to cause fear and disrupt public order.
Police said security patrols and surveillance have been intensified to protect lives and property as economic activities resume. Residents were advised to rely only on verified information and report suspicious activities.
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