A strong security presence has taken over the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State as authorities enforce the market’s closure, drawing mixed reactions from traders.
While many traders have voiced frustration, accusing the government of worsening their economic hardship, others have defended the action as necessary to uphold lawful authority.
Some traders lamented that the shutdown was unfair, noting that many business owners had returned from trips to major markets within and outside the country with fresh goods and were prepared to resume sales after the festive period.
They warned that the closure would deepen financial strain, especially for those who rely on daily earnings to survive.
However, a section of traders commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision, arguing that obedience to directives from a recognized state authority is preferable to compliance with orders issued by unidentified groups.
They also appealed to the governor to sustain the security presence next Monday, expressing readiness to reopen their shops.
This morning, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services were deployed across the market.
Entrances were barricaded, with security personnel stationed at strategic points to prevent access to shops.
Explaining the operation, police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the deployment was aimed at maintaining law and order in line with the state government’s directive.
He urged traders to cooperate fully, assuring residents that security agencies would keep the situation in Onitsha and across Anambra State under control.
Governor Soludo ordered the market’s closure after an unscheduled inspection yesterday revealed widespread non-compliance with the sit-at-home directive imposed by non-state actors.
The state government has reiterated that Mondays are now regular working days and warned that violations would attract tougher sanctions.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefoh, Anambra State loses an estimated ₦8 billion every Monday the Onitsha Main Market remains closed.