- Soludo orders one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market
- Traders ignored Monday sit-at-home directive
- Security agencies sealed the market to enforce order
- Closure may extend to one month if defiance continues
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order. The decision followed an on-the-spot assessment by the governor on Monday, amid concerns over economic disruption and public safety.
Governor Soludo issued the directive during an on-site visit to the Onitsha Main Market, accompanied by top government officials and security personnel. He expressed disappointment that many traders once again kept their shops closed despite repeated assurances of improved security across the state.
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According to the governor, the action taken by traders amounted to a silent but dangerous resistance that continues to cripple economic activities in the South-East.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals deliberately undermine public safety and ignore lawful directives meant to restore normal life,” Soludo said.
“This is nothing short of economic sabotage.”
He added that the market closure is meant to protect traders who are willing to operate lawfully and help restore confidence in public spaces. Security agencies have since sealed the market to ensure full compliance with the order.
Soludo warned that the situation could worsen if traders refuse to return after the one-week shutdown.
“If the market does not reopen after one week, it will be shut for one month,” he said firmly.
The governor described the development as one of the most decisive steps taken so far in the long struggle to reclaim economic life in the South-East from fear and uncertainty.