Security agencies on Tuesday barricaded the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State to enforce a one‑week closure order issued by Governor Chukwuma Soludo after traders defied the state’s Monday sit‑at‑home directive and attempted to open for business.
Hundreds of security personnel, backed by Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Hilux vans, were deployed across key access points to block movement into the sprawling market, one of the nation’s busiest commercial hubs.
Governor Soludo, who inspected the market on Monday, ordered its closure after market leaders and traders ignored repeated government appeals to halt operations in support of the sit‑at‑home.
The governor described the market shutdown as a protective and necessary measure against what he called “economic sabotage” by a few individuals undermining public order and safety.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage. We are not going to allow this,” Soludo said.
He warned that the closure could be extended beyond the initial one‑week timeline should traders continue to resist compliance.
“The closure is a protective measure for law‑abiding citizens,” Soludo added, stressing that the market could remain sealed for up to one month if necessary.
The state government argued that persistent sit‑at‑home actions were inflicting heavy losses on the economy, estimating that Anambra State loses about ₦8 billion weekly, while the entire South East region loses ₦19.6 billion.
As security operatives sealed off the market, shops remained locked, and traders who had come to work were left loitering at various corners of the premises, watching the situation unfold.
Punch observed that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Army, and other joint task forces, maintained a robust presence around the market’s perimeter to enforce compliance.
The atmosphere grew rowdy and chaotic at times, with some traders reportedly running helter‑skelter as security personnel moved through the market enforcing order, leading to minor confrontations.
The enforcement follows a counter‑directive from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which urged traders and residents to defy the closure and resume trading on Tuesday.
IPOB described the governor’s action as “disappointing and unacceptable,” further fueling tensions around the market shutdown