By Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following the continued compliance of traders with the sit at home directive issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The Governor gave the directive on Monday during a visit to the market in Onitsha, where he expressed displeasure that traders failed to open for business despite repeated assurances of improved security by the state government.
According to him, the continued closure of the market every Monday shows that fear remains deeply rooted among traders and residents, adding that the situation is unacceptable to the government.
He said the sit at home culture has negatively affected economic activities in the South East and must be confronted decisively to restore confidence and normal business operations.
The Governor warned that if the market fails to reopen after the one week shutdown, it would be closed for a longer period, stressing that traders must make a clear decision to either operate fully or relocate elsewhere.
He stated that the government would not allow a situation where non state actors dictate economic life and working days in the state.
Security operatives drawn from the police, army and other agencies were seen enforcing the closure as they cordoned off the market and prevented traders and customers from gaining access.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Anambra State Government recently introduced pro rata salary payments to civil servants as part of measures to discourage compliance with the Monday sit at home order.
Although attacks linked to the IPOB have reportedly reduced in the region, many residents still avoid opening their businesses on Mondays due to fear of possible violence.
The state government has continued to assure residents of adequate security while urging them to resume normal economic activities across the state.
