- Traders at Onitsha Main Market are protesting the Anambra State government’s shutdown of the market over alleged compliance with the Monday sit-at-home order.
- The traders say the decision is unfair and driven by security fears, while the government insists economic activities must continue on Mondays.
Tension has erupted at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State as traders staged an ongoing protest over the state government’s decision to shut down the market for allegedly observing the Monday sit-at-home order.
The protest follows a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to close markets said to have complied with the sit-at-home, a practice originally enforced by separatist groups and officially outlawed by the state government.
Authorities insist that economic activities must continue on Mondays to protect livelihoods and restore normalcy across the state.
Angered by the shutdown, traders at Onitsha Main Market took to the streets, expressing frustration over what they described as collective punishment.
Many argued that compliance with the sit-at-home was driven by fear for their safety rather than political sympathy, noting that past incidents of violence have made traders cautious.
Protesters accused the government of failing to provide adequate security before penalizing traders, saying the closure has worsened their economic hardship amid rising costs of living. Some traders were seen chanting slogans and carrying placards calling on the governor to reverse the decision and reopen the market.
As of the time of reporting, security operatives were present to monitor the situation and prevent a breakdown of law and order. The state government has yet to issue a fresh statement on the protest, but officials have repeatedly maintained that the ban on sit-at-home remains in force and will be enforced to safeguard Anambra’s economy.
Read some of the comments below:
@IykeNwaObi
His advisers are not advising him well sincerely. This isn’t nice and I pray it doesn’t turn out bad today.
@Obinnahenry26
This are hoodlums 😅@Martins_ukeje
When you listen to these people .. you’ll understand this us all Illiteracy.
@Grey37631292
You people should sit at home for one week. Why did you refuse to open your shops yesterday? If you don’t have a solid reason, your shops will be locked for one week.
@michael_da48358
Jokers. One gunshot everybody go run
@Dannymasterp
Nigeria Police should ensure strict enforcement to this law no matter what happened and make sure everyone complys to the Governors directives.
@ChukwunyeluOrji
who and who are soludo’s advisers??😀😃
@Emmstein162237
That soludo no dey rest???
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