Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have restarted operations after a week-long closure mandated by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The reopening occurs alongside increased security measures and alerts against adhering to the Indigenous People of Biafra’s sit-at-home directives.
The market had been ordered closed by Soludo following reports indicating that certain traders were adhering to a Monday sit-at-home directive from IPOB.
The governor had cautioned that not reopening might result in additional 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 Channels Television visit to the market showed that several traders returned as early as 8:45 a.m., arranging goods from Egerton to Ose Foodstuff Market and The Young Park, a key entry to the Main Market. Observers remarked that places such as Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine were bustling, with shoppers starting to frequent stores.
“It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report added.
The banned IPOB had urged a lockdown throughout the South-East in support of Onitsha traders. The organization, via its representative Emma Powerful, called on traders, transporters, banks, schools, and government employees to participate in the strike peacefully.
IPOB’s attorney, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the lockdown order, labeling it as “a sham” and “a deliberate untruth,” advising the public to disregard it. He emphasized that IPOB had long rejected sit-at-home directives.
The Anambra State Police Command on Sunday further cautioned residents, emphasizing the dangers presented by non-state actors online.
“Following the security assessment of the implications, or otherwise, of the 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 mentioned 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 also 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 reiterated their dedication to preserving peace and public safety, while the government guaranteed traders complete security support as economic activities restart.
