By John Umeh
Commercial activities have returned to the Onitsha Main Market after traders reopened their shops following a week-long shutdown triggered by security concerns and government intervention.
The development comes after Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, issued a stern directive ordering traders to resume business and cautioned against yielding to sit-at-home calls circulated by non-state actors.
The market had earlier been shut by the state government amid reports that some traders were observing a Monday lockdown allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Authorities viewed the situation as a threat to public order and economic stability, prompting swift action.
By early Monday morning, traders were seen returning to their stalls, cleaning shops, arranging goods, and attending to customers across key sections of the market. Activity was noticeable around Egerton Street, Ose Foodstuff Market, Young Park, and major commercial corridors including Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, Marine, and Emeka Offor Plaza.
Security presence was also visibly reinforced, with patrols positioned at strategic entry points to reassure traders and shoppers as transactions gradually picked up.
State officials had warned that prolonged defiance of the reopening directive could result in extended closures and tougher sanctions. That warning appears to have influenced compliance, as most shops were open before mid-morning.
Meanwhile, confusion surrounding the alleged sit-at-home order has continued to generate mixed reactions. While a statement attributed to IPOB had called for a region-wide shutdown in solidarity with traders, the group’s legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, publicly dismissed the claim, describing it as fabricated and urging residents to go about their lawful activities.
The Anambra State Police Command also weighed in, alerting the public to what it described as coordinated misinformation campaigns on social media aimed at instilling fear and disrupting peace. The command announced the deployment of enhanced intelligence-led patrols, surveillance operations, and rapid-response units across the state.
Residents were advised to ignore unverified online messages and report suspicious movements or threats to security agencies through established emergency channels.
With traders back in the market and security tightened, the state government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, property, and economic activity, assuring residents that normalcy will be sustained across Anambra.
