Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market after traders reportedly complied with the illegal Monday sit-at-home directive issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The directive followed the circulation of a video showing the usually busy commercial hub largely deserted on Monday, in apparent obedience to the sit-at-home order. Governor Soludo, who has repeatedly warned against compliance with such directives, described the action as unacceptable and damaging to the state’s economy.
According to the state government, the closure is intended to enforce discipline, discourage future compliance with unlawful orders, and reaffirm the government’s stance that no non-state actor has the authority to shut down economic activities in Anambra.
Officials said the market will remain closed until further notice, pending engagement with market leadership and assurances that traders will fully resume business without yielding to intimidation.
The Anambra State Government has consistently maintained that sit-at-home orders threaten livelihoods, deepen poverty, and undermine public order, urging residents to resist fear and cooperate with security agencies.
