Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have resumed business after a one-week shutdown, following directives from Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
The reopening comes amid heightened security measures and warnings against compliance with non-state actors, Indigenous People of Biafra sit-at-home orders.
The market was previously ordered closed by Soludo after reports suggested that some traders were following a Monday sit-at-home call issued by IPOB.
The governor had warned that failure to reopen could lead to further closures.
“Traders of the Onitsha Main Market have reopened their shops in compliance with a directive by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo,” a report by Channels Television on Monday said.
A visit to the market by Channels Television revealed that many traders were back as early as 8:45 a.m., setting up wares from Egerton to Ose Foodstuff Market and The Young Park, a major entrance to the Main Market. Observers noted that areas including Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine were active, with customers beginning to patronize shops.
“It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report added.
The proscribed IPOB had called for a lockdown across the South-East in solidarity with Onitsha traders. The group, through its spokesman Emma Powerful, urged traders, transporters, banks, schools, and civil servants to observe the strike peacefully.
However, IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, discredited the lockdown directive, describing it as “a fake” and “a calculated falsehood,” urging the public to ignore it. He stressed that IPOB had long denounced sit-at-home orders.
The Anambra State Police Command on Sunday also issued a strong warning to residents, highlighting the threats posed by non-state actors on social media.
“Following the security assessment of the implications, or otherwise, of full resumption of all social, commercial, and official activities in Anambra State on Monday, the Police Command has identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts by some non-state actors aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public,” the statement said.
The police noted that such narratives are intended “to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the State.”
“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continues to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety,” the statement added.
The police further directed intensified intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive operations to prevent threats to lives and property. Residents were advised to disregard unverified social media content and report any suspicious activities.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified social media content being propagated by non-state actors and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation or through established emergency channels,” the statement said.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, while the government assured traders of full security coverage as economic activities resume.
Onitsha traders reopen shops following Soludo threats
