Commercial and economic activities came to a standstill on Monday across major markets in Anambra State, including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia.
A significant number of traders stayed home, resulting in most shops at key locations like Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market remaining closed.
This widespread closure coincided with the usual shutdown of motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts. The low turnout starkly contrasts last week’s directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who had threatened to seal any shop or plaza that remained closed under the guise of the sit-at-home order. During his visit to Onitsha Main Market, he lamented the economic impact of the ongoing boycott, estimating a loss of N19.6 billion every Monday in the region.
Governor Soludo had warned traders of severe penalties, stating, “If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month.” He assured traders of increased security presence around the markets, with personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) patrolling to maintain order.
As of Monday afternoon, the governor had not yet visited the markets as promised. While NSCDC officers were observed conducting “anti-sit-at-home operations,” many traders expressed fear for their safety, hesitant to open their shops.
Udoka, a textile trader at Onitsha Main Market, shared, “The presence of the NSCDC officers is encouraging, but most people are afraid to open their shops for fear of being attacked. Those that came to the market today are mostly selling by the roadside.”
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) originally introduced the sit-at-home order in August 2021 to pressure the Nigerian Government for the release of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although the group has since suspended the order except on days when Kanu appears in court many still adhere to it out of fear of violence.
As the situation continues to unfold, the tension between government directives and public safety remains a critical issue for traders in Anambra State.
