Economic activities across major markets in Anambra State were disrupted on Monday as traders recorded low turnout and widespread shop closures amid Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive ordering a return to full business operations and a counter sit-at-home call by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
At the Onitsha Main Market, only partial compliance was observed, as some traders opened their shops while many others kept theirs closed, citing fear of possible attacks and uncertainty over security. This was despite the governor’s insistence that traders must operate from Monday to Saturday every week.
Governor Soludo had last week issued a stern warning to traders across the state, directing them to abandon the Monday sit-at-home practice or face sanctions. During an unscheduled visit to the Onitsha Main Market, he observed that many shops were still shut on a Monday and immediately ordered the market closed for one week.
The governor described the continued closure of businesses as unacceptable and warned that his administration would no longer tolerate actions capable of disrupting economic activities or public order. He stressed that traders must either fully comply with the government’s directive or relocate elsewhere, adding that further sanctions would be imposed on markets that defy the order.
However, the situation became more complicated after IPOB announced a total shutdown of the South-East on Monday, February 2. The group criticised Governor Soludo’s directive, insisting that the sit-at-home remained a legitimate and voluntary civil protest against the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Over the weekend, the Anambra State Government announced that it had reached an agreement with leaders of the affected markets, who reportedly promised that traders would obey the governor’s directive. The traders also appealed to the government to provide adequate security for both traders and customers to ensure smooth business operations.
Despite the agreement, SaharaReporters observed that business activities at the Emeka Offor section of the Onitsha Main Market remained minimal on Monday. Some traders opened their shops briefly but closed again shortly after, saying they were afraid of possible attacks.
At Ochanja Market in Onitsha, the situation was more severe, as the market was completely deserted, with traders fully complying with IPOB’s sit-at-home order.
Similarly, the Building Materials Market along the Nkpor/Ogidi axis of the state remained completely shut, even though the market gates were left open. No traders or customers were seen in the area.
Movement across the state was also heavily restricted, particularly in Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, and other major towns. Although police patrols were visible around markets and strategic junctions, the usually busy roads were largely quiet as residents stayed indoors.
At the Ogidi Building Materials Market, traders who came only to assess the situation expressed frustration through sarcasm. One trader said, “Business activities are active; everyone is out here now. Come and buy whatever you want,” pointing at the deserted market.
Another trader at the Success Line section said, “We were told to come because attendance would be taken, but no principal is here. No students came to school. Let Soludo bring the register and mark attendance.”
At Ochanja Market, a trader who visited to observe the situation lamented the ongoing tension, saying, “Once our generation finishes, God will surely miss us.”
The partial reopening of markets highlights the growing tension between the Anambra State Government’s efforts to restore normal economic activities and the deep fears among traders amid persistent insecurity and uncertainty across the state.
