The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has led the deployment of security personnel at the Onitsha Main Market to enforce the one-week closure imposed by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Soludo has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to heed the state government’s direction to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor issued the decision on Monday during an on-site visit to the market with some of his advisers and other government officials.
As a result of the directive, security agencies surrounded the market on Tuesday, with hundreds of security men visible throughout the area, while armoured personnel carriers hillux vans were used to block crucial spots across the market.
Security personnel barred traders and others from entering the market.
Recall that the occurrence sparked a series of protests by some residents and traders on Wednesday, who blocked the ever-busy Asaba-Onitsha Expressway leading to the River Niger bridge for several minutes before being dispersed by police forces.
However, speaking on Thursday at the market reinforcement exercise, the CP stated that his presence is intended to strengthen public order, safety, and trust throughout the capital and surrounding areas.
Orutugu stated that the visit is an assessment tour to personally supervise and evaluate the deployment of police-led joint security forces at strategic locations within Onitsha.
He said, “This is a security assessment tour, to personally supervise and evaluate the deployment of Police-led Joint Security Forces at strategic locations within Onitsha.
“This proactive engagement underscores the Command’s resolve to maintain peace, ensure compliance with lawful directives, and prevent any breach of public order.
“The security situation in Onitsha remains calm and firmly under control, as the Command continues to reassure residents, traders, and commuters of their safety.”
Chronicle NG gathered that the Anambra State police operatives on Wednesday blocked some protesters protesting on the Onitsha head bridge over the Main Market closure.
As the one-week closure ordered by state governor Soludo on Monday entered its second day, some traders, including residents, blocked the road leading to the head bridge for several minutes before a police-led squad arrived to disperse them.
