Author: Gist Correspondent

Security operatives on Tuesday cordoned off major access points to the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, enforcing the one-week closure ordered by the state government over the market’s continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home directive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the shutdown followed an order issued on Monday by Governor Chukwuma Soludo during an unscheduled visit to the market in Onitsha.

NAN observed that heavy security presence was deployed around the market, with operatives barricading strategic entrances using armoured personnel carriers, patrol vans, and Hilux vehicles to prevent access.

As a result, traders were barred from entering the market premises, while shops within the complex remained firmly locked.

Several traders and prospective customers were seen loitering around the vicinity, observing the activities of the security operatives and discussing the unfolding situation in small groups.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Law Mefor, had earlier disclosed in a statement that the persistent Monday sit-at-home action costs the state government an estimated N8 billion weekly, while the South-East region loses about N19.6 billion.

Some traders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern that the closure could expose innocent citizens to potential danger and disrupt their means of livelihood.

They appealed to Governor Soludo to reconsider the decision to keep the market shut for one week, urging dialogue and alternative measures.

Reacting to the development, the Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said security agencies were fully committed to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property.

Ikenga assured that the situation around the Onitsha Main Market remained calm and peaceful, adding that movement within the surrounding areas was unhindered.