Tension Mounts at Onitsha Market as Security Enforces One-Week Closure Ordered by Governor Soludo

Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, experienced heightened tension on Tuesday as security forces enforced a one-week closure mandated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The directive follows traders’ continued adherence to the Monday sit-at-home despite government orders to resume normal operations.

Hundreds of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed, barricading entrances and preventing traders from accessing their shops. Video footage obtained by SaharaReporters showed heavily armed operatives stationed at key points, turning back those attempting to enter the market.

Traders voiced frustration over the enforcement, criticizing the government’s approach. One trader questioned the fairness of the shutdown, highlighting that many business owners had traveled to Lagos or abroad to procure goods. Another suggested political motivations, linking the action to regional support for the imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Governor Soludo’s closure order followed an unscheduled inspection on Monday, which revealed that most traders had not opened their shops. The government has emphasized that Mondays are now regular working days and has warned that continued non-compliance will attract stricter sanctions.

A senior government official stated the shutdown is intended to restore economic activity rather than target individuals. “This is not about witch-hunting anybody. It is about enforcing the law and ensuring that our economy functions optimally,” the official said, noting that Anambra loses billions of naira every Monday due to the sit-at-home practice.

The closure has sparked concern among traders, many of whom fear the economic impact. “Closing the market for one week means no income, no food, no school fees,” said a female trader.

As security forces maintain strict control over the market, the situation highlights ongoing tensions in the South-East over sit-at-home directives, economic disruption, and political disputes.