NEWS UPDATE: ONITSHA TRADERS RESUME BUSINESS AFTER SOLUDO’S WARNING

ONITSHA TRADERS RESUME BUSINESS AFTER SOLUDO’S WARNING



Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have resumed commercial activities following a one-week shutdown, after a directive issued by Governor Chukwuma Soludo warning against continued closure of shops.

The reopening, which took place on Monday morning, followed heightened security presence and government assurances aimed at restoring normal economic activity in the commercial hub.

The market had earlier been shut by the Anambra State Government after reports emerged that some traders were complying with a Monday sit-at-home order allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Governor Soludo had warned that failure to reopen shops would attract further sanctions, including extended closures.

A visit to the market by Channels Television revealed that many traders resumed operations as early as 8:45 a.m., with business activities observed across major sections of the market, including Egerton Road, Ose Foodstuff Market, Young Park, Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, and Marine Road.

Customers were also seen patronising shops, indicating a gradual return to normalcy.

According to the report, the reopening reflects compliance with government directives to disregard sit-at-home orders issued by non-state actors.

Meanwhile, IPOB had earlier announced a lockdown across the South-East in solidarity with Onitsha traders, urging transporters, banks, schools, and civil servants to observe the action peacefully.

However, IPOB’s legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, dismissed the lockdown announcement, describing it as false and misleading. He reiterated that the group had repeatedly disowned sit-at-home directives and urged the public to ignore such claims.

The Anambra State Police Command also issued a statement on Sunday warning residents against misinformation spread through social media by non-state actors.

According to the police, such coordinated online narratives are designed to instil fear, cause panic, and undermine public confidence and peace in the state.

The command announced intensified intelligence-led patrols, surveillance, and proactive security operations to safeguard lives and property as economic activities resume.

Residents were advised to disregard unverified social media content and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through official emergency channels.

The state government has assured traders of adequate security coverage, stressing its commitment to restoring stability and sustaining economic activities across Anambra State.

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