Onitsha Traders Reopen Shops After Soludo’s Warning

Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have returned to business activities after a one-week closure ordered by the state government.

The reopening followed a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo amid increased security presence and renewed warnings against adherence to illegal sit-at-home directives issued by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the shutdown of the market after reports emerged that some traders were complying with a Monday sit-at-home call allegedly linked to IPOB. The governor warned that continued defiance of the reopening directive could result in 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.

According to Channels Television, a visit to the market showed that traders resumed as early as 8:45 a.m., displaying goods across major sections including Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market, and The Young Park, one of the main entry points into the market. Commercial activities were also observed around Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine, as customers gradually returned.

“It is clear that the traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report added.

Earlier, the proscribed IPOB had announced a region-wide lockdown across the South-East, claiming it was in solidarity with Onitsha traders. Through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group called on traders, transport operators, banks, schools, and civil servants to observe the strike peacefully.

However, IPOB’s legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the alleged lockdown order, describing it as “a fake” and “a calculated falsehood,” while urging the public to disregard it. He noted that IPOB had consistently disassociated itself from sit-at-home directives.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command on Sunday issued a stern advisory to residents, warning against threats and misinformation spread 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 command added that such actions were aimed “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 ordered enhanced intelligence-driven patrols, surveillance, and proactive security operations to safeguard lives and property. Residents were advised to ignore unverified social media reports and promptly report suspicious movements or 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.

Reaffirming their commitment to peace and security, the police assured residents of continued protection, while the state government pledged full security coverage to support the resumption of economic activities across the state.