Anambra Threatens Permanent Closure of Onitsha Main Market Amid Tensions Over Sit‑At‑Home Compliance

The Anambra State Government has escalated its actions in response to continued market closures on Mondays by warning that the Onitsha Main Market could be shut indefinitely if traders keep ignoring official directives to resume business instead of observing the Monday sit‑at‑home order.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo initially ordered a one‑week closure of the sprawling market after many traders failed to open their shops on a Monday, despite government appeals and assurances of improved security aimed at ending the disruptive sit‑at‑home practice.

The sit‑at‑home directive — widely linked to agitation efforts by separatist groups — has hurt commerce and economic activity in the region, prompting the government to take tougher enforcement measures.

In response to the closure and warnings, a pro‑Biafra organisation criticised the government’s stance, arguing that traders who stayed home did so voluntarily as part of peaceful protest and condemning threats of long‑term shutdowns.

Authorities maintain that decisive action is necessary to restore normal trade and protect businesses, but the situation remains tense as traders weigh safety concerns against economic pressures.