Anambra Governor Soludo orders one-week Onitsha Main Market closure amid IPOB protests. Security deployed to enforce order and restore economic stability

Security operatives, including soldiers and policemen, enforced a one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday following an order by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Also read: Onitsha Market traders protest one-week closure by Soludo

The action drew sharp condemnation from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and sparked protests by traders.

Hundreds of security personnel, supported by armoured personnel carriers and patrol vans, blocked access to the market from early morning to ensure compliance.

Governor Soludo had ordered the shutdown after traders repeatedly defied appeals to resume business on Mondays despite IPOB’s sit-at-home directive.

The state government stated that the ongoing sit-at-home had cost Anambra State about N8 billion weekly and disrupted the South-East region’s economy, amounting to an estimated N19.6 billion in losses.

Soludo described the closure as a protective measure for law-abiding citizens and warned that non-compliance could extend the closure for up to a month.

The enforcement led to tense moments as traders attempted to access their shops, with brief confrontations occurring.

Food vendors and sachet water hawkers were the only ones operating, while groups of traders gathered outside, discussing the situation.

IPOB countered the closure, urging traders to defy the governor’s order, describing it as “disappointing and unacceptable.”

Protests erupted around the market, with traders marching through adjoining streets carrying placards in solidarity with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Chants included:

“Nnamdi Kanu is our another saviour,” “Soludo, we no go gree o,” and “Say no to Monday.”

Traders criticized the government for ordering the closure without consultation. Tochi, a trader, stated that some perishable goods risked spoiling and argued that the Monday sit-at-home was a voluntary exercise in support of Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB condemned the heavy security presence, labeling it “barbaric and unwarranted.” Spokesman Emma Powerful accused the governor of state-sponsored intimidation and urged Nigerians and human rights organizations to caution authorities against violence, while reiterating IPOB’s commitment to peaceful dialogue.

The Anambra State Police Command emphasized that security deployment was solely to maintain law and order.

Spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga assured the public that the situation remained calm, with officers sensitizing traders to cooperate with directives.

Meanwhile, Onitsha Main Market leadership described Soludo’s order as a “wise decision” aimed at restoring economic stability.