Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have resumed commercial activities following a directive by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, ordering the immediate reopening of the market after a one-week shutdown linked to compliance concerns over sit-at-home calls.
The reopening came amid increased security presence and renewed warnings against adherence to illegal sit-at-home directives issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Governor Soludo had earlier ordered the market’s closure after reports emerged that some traders were complying with a Monday sit-at-home call allegedly linked to IPOB. He warned that continued defiance of the reopening directive could result in further closures.
The reopening, which took effect on Monday, was accompanied by reinforced security measures and stern warnings from authorities against actions capable of disrupting economic and social activities in the state.
Traders returned to their shops as early as 8:45 a.m., with commercial activities visible across major sections of the market, including Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line, Marine, Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market, and the Young Park axis. It is clear that traders are complying with government directives to ignore the sit-at-home order.
In response, the Anambra State Police Command intensified intelligence-led patrols and security surveillance across the state, warning against threats, misinformation, and fearmongering by non-state actors on social media.
The command said these measures were necessary to safeguard lives, property, and public confidence as normal activities resumed.
Speaking through an official statement, the police reaffirmed their mandate to maintain peace and public safety, noting that coordinated misinformation campaigns were designed to incite panic and undermine stability.
The command commended residents for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance and timely sharing of credible information.
The police also issued an advisory cautioning traders, transporters, and residents to disregard unverified social media content and report suspicious movements to the nearest police formation or through established emergency channels, stressing that adherence to lawful directives remains mandatory.
