Business activities in Anambra State came to a grinding halt on Monday as traders in key markets such as Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia chose to stay away, leaving major markets shut. This development is despite the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, having declared an end to the weekly sit-at-home.
The affected markets include Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market. Motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts also remained closed, defying Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to open for business ¹ ².
Governor Soludo had warned that any shop or plaza that remained closed would be sealed for up to one month, citing the South-East region’s estimated loss of N19.6 billion each Monday ¹ ². He assured traders of enhanced security, with police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel patrolling the markets. However, many traders remain fearful, with some expressing concerns about potential attacks.
On Monday, Soludo went round parts of the state to observe the turnout of traders.
At Afor Market in Nnobi, he received a tumultuous welcome from street traders though shops remained shut.
*Key Points:*
– _Markets Affected:_ Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market
– _Governor’s Directive:_ Open for business on Mondays or face penalties
– _Estimated Loss:_ N19.6 billion each Monday in the South-East region
– _Security Measures:_ Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel patrolling the markets
– _Traders’ Concerns:_ Fear of potential attacks
The sit-at-home order, initially introduced by IPOB in August 2021 to pressure the government to release Kanu, has persisted despite its official suspension
As the situation continues, traders and residents await the governor’s next move to address the issue.
