IPOB Faults Soludo Over Shutdown of Onitsha Market Shops

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has spoken out against the Anambra State Government’s decision to seal several shops at the Onitsha Main Market after traders reportedly stayed off work on Monday. The group described the enforcement action as harsh and damaging to small-scale business owners.

In its reaction, IPOB said penalising traders for not opening their stores ignores the fears and pressures many of them face. The organisation maintained that market operators should not be treated as offenders over their decision to suspend activities for the day.

The state authorities had earlier directed that all markets must operate normally on Mondays, warning that defaulters would face sanctions. Monitoring teams were subsequently deployed, and some shops were shut for failing to comply with the directive.

IPOB urged the government to reconsider its approach and engage with trader associations and community leaders instead of relying on closures and penalties, saying cooperation would better support stability and economic recovery in the area.