Onitsha traders reopen shops after Soludo’s directive

Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have reopened their shops after a week-long shutdown, complying with a directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo to resume business and ignore sit-at-home threats.

The reopening followed warnings from the state government against obeying orders issued by non-state actors, particularly the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Authorities had earlier shut the market after reports indicated that some traders were observing a Monday sit-at-home call.

Governor Soludo had cautioned that continued closure of shops could attract stricter sanctions.

According to a Channels Television report on Monday, traders returned to the market early in the day, with many setting up as early as 8:45 a.m. Business activities picked up across major sections, including Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market, and The Young Park, a key entrance to the market.

Areas such as Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine also recorded steady commercial activity, with customers already making purchases.

Observers said the turnout reflected compliance with the government’s directive to disregard the sit-at-home order.

The proscribed IPOB had earlier called for a lockdown across the South-East in solidarity with the traders, urging transporters, banks, schools, and civil servants to participate in the strike.

However, IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the directive as false and misleading, insisting that the group had long disassociated itself from enforcing sit-at-home actions. He urged residents to ignore the message.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command issued a warning about attempts by non-state actors to spread fear and misinformation through coordinated social media campaigns.

The police said such efforts were designed to cause panic and disrupt the relative peace in the state.

The command announced intensified intelligence-led patrols, increased surveillance, and proactive security operations to safeguard lives and property. Residents were also advised to disregard unverified information online and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety, while the state government assured traders of adequate security as normal economic activities resume across the market.