Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has directed the temporary closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders refused to comply with the state government’s order to ignore the Monday sit-at-home directive.
The governor announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the market, accompanied by his aides and other officials.
Soludo warned that the shutdown could be extended if traders fail to adhere to the order, adding that security agencies have sealed the market to enforce compliance.
Describing the development as a decisive move in a prolonged struggle over the control of economic activities in the South-East, Soludo said that despite repeated promises of improved security and appeals to reclaim public spaces, many traders at the historic market again chose to keep their stalls closed.
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He added, “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. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens.”
The governor further cautioned that if the market does not reopen after the one-week lockdown, it could remain closed for a month. “You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” he said.
Security was tight on Monday, with a joint task force of police, army, and other agencies securing the market perimeter. The current standoff underscores the broader effort to eliminate the Monday sit-at-home practice.
When the market is scheduled to reopen next Monday, attention will turn to whether traders return or leave the aisles empty, a decision that could shape economic activity in Anambra State on Mondays.
