Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have resumed business after a one-week shutdown, following a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The reopening, which took place on Monday, comes amid heightened security and firm warnings by the state government against compliance with sit-at-home orders issued by non-state actors, particularly the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the closure of the market after reports emerged that some traders were observing a Monday sit-at-home directive allegedly linked to IPOB. He warned that failure to comply with the state’s reopening order could result in prolonged or further closures.
Confirming the development, Channels Television reported that traders reopened their shops in compliance with the governor’s directive. A visit by the news crew revealed that commercial activities resumed as early as 8:45 a.m., with traders setting up their wares across major sections of the market, including Egerton Road, Ose Foodstuff Market, and The Young Park, a key entrance to the complex.
Other areas such as Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine were also bustling with activity as customers gradually returned.
“It is clear that traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order,” the report noted.
The development followed a call by IPOB for a region-wide lockdown across the South-East in solidarity with Onitsha traders. In a statement credited to its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group urged traders, transporters, banks, schools, and civil servants to observe the strike peacefully.
However, IPOB’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the directive as false, describing it as “fake” and “a calculated falsehood.” He reiterated that IPOB had long disowned sit-at-home orders and urged the public to disregard the claim.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command issued a strong warning on Sunday, alerting residents to what it described as coordinated attempts by non-state actors to spread fear and misinformation via social media.
According to the police, a security assessment revealed a recurring pattern of posts designed to incite panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continue to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety,” the command stated.
The police also announced intensified intelligence-led patrols, enhanced surveillance, and proactive operations to prevent threats to lives and property. Residents were advised to ignore unverified social media content and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through established emergency channels.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, while the state government assured traders of full security coverage as economic activities fully resume across Anambra State.
