-
Traders protest Anambra government’s attempt to shut Onitsha Main Market
-
Police van set ablaze during clash over Monday sit-at-home enforcement
-
Tension rises as traders cite security fears, economic hardship
Traders at Onitsha Main Market clashed with security operatives on Monday after the Anambra State Government attempted to enforce a shutdown of the commercial hub, resulting in the burning of a police patrol vehicle within the market premises.
The incident followed a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at compelling traders to comply with the state’s opposition to the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice in the South-East.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Authorities reportedly sealed the market after many traders failed to open for business, triggering immediate tension.
Eyewitnesses said hundreds of traders resisted the enforcement action, staging protests and accusing the government of adopting heavy-handed measures.
READ ALSO: Soludo Shuts Onitsha Main Market for One Week Over Sit-At-Home Defiance
Videos circulating online showed angry crowds chanting and confronting security operatives deployed to the area.
Several traders said they were caught between government directives and lingering security concerns, noting that past attacks linked to sit-at-home enforcement had made many shop owners reluctant to resume business on Mondays.
As security personnel attempted to disperse the protesters and enforce compliance, the situation escalated into clashes in and around the market.
During the unrest, a police van was reportedly set on fire. Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of damage or whether arrests were made.
Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest trading centres in West Africa, serves thousands of traders and functions as a major supply hub for goods across Nigeria.
Any disruption to its operations carries significant economic implications for traders, transporters, suppliers and consumers.