Tension gripped Onitsha on Tuesday morning as heavy security presence barricaded the Onitsha Main Market, enforcing a one-week closure ordered by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, following traders’ defiance of the government’s Monday sit-at-home directive.
Hundreds of security operatives, including police officers, soldiers and members of joint task forces, were deployed across the sprawling commercial hub. Armoured Personnel Carriers and Hilux patrol vans were strategically positioned at key entry and exit points, effectively sealing off the market and preventing access to traders and customers.
The operation followed the governor’s on-the-spot inspection of the market on Monday, during which he ordered its immediate closure after discovering that traders and market leaders had refused to open for business, despite repeated government appeals to resume normal economic activities.
Governor Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if compliance is not achieved, stressing that the state government would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public safety and economic stability. He described the situation as a critical battle for the economic survival of the South-East, noting that the persistent Monday sit-at-home order costs Anambra State an estimated N8 billion weekly, while the wider region loses about N19.6 billion.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully sabotage our economy and disregard lawful directives meant to
During the enforcement, security operatives prevented all movement into the market premises, while shops remained firmly locked. Traders and prospective buyers were seen loitering around the vicinity, watching the unfolding situation, with many gathered in clusters, discussing and analysing the development.
At intervals, the atmosphere became tense as security personnel moved through the area to maintain order, triggering moments of chaos that saw traders scampering for safety. These movements reportedly led to brief confrontations, heightening anxiety around the market environment.
The development also comes amid a counter-directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which reportedly urged residents and traders to defy the government’s order and resume trading on Tuesday, describing the closure as “disappointing and unacceptable.”
As security agencies maintain their grip on the market, uncertainty continues to loom over traders and residents, with many hoping for a swift resolution that would allow business activities to resume and ease the economic strain on the state.
Hashtags:
#OnitshaMainMarket #AnambraNews #Soludo #SitAtHome #NigeriaEconomy #SouthEast #BreakingNews #MarketClosure #SecurityUpdate 
