Despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s strong directive for markets and shops to remain open on Mondays, a large number of traders in Onitsha defied his orders, observing the sit-at-home tradition imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This was seen across various major markets in the city, including Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, and Nkpor Motor Parts Market. Our correspondent, who toured the city on Monday, reported that most businesses were shuttered, with only a handful of vendors selling by the roadside.
The low turnout was evident in key areas such as the banks, motor parks, petrol stations, and government offices. Streets, usually bustling with activity on Mondays, were eerily quiet, mirroring the situation in previous weeks. While the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen patrolling, conducting anti-sit-at-home operations, and encouraging residents to go about their business, their presence did little to sway traders’ decisions.
Traders, many of whom were still hesitant to open shop, expressed their fears for personal safety should they defy the sit-at-home order. One textile trader from Onitsha Main Market, Udoka, mentioned that while the presence of NSCDC officers was reassuring, many were still afraid of potential attacks by hoodlums. He noted that only a few vendors were brave enough to sell goods by the roadside, avoiding setting up in their locked shops for fear of violence.
Governor Soludo had made it clear last week that any shop or plaza that closed on Mondays in compliance with the sit-at-home order would be sealed, with penalties ranging from one week to a month for those who persist in closing their businesses. During his visit to the market, the governor emphasized the enormous financial loss suffered by the state, estimated to be around N19.6 billion each Monday the order is followed. He expressed frustration over how these closures damaged the local economy, making people from Anambra and surrounding states likely to seek goods from other regions.
While the governor had promised a follow-up visit to inspect the situation, he had not made an appearance by the time this report was filed. Despite his warnings, many traders still feared reprisal from those enforcing the sit-at-home order, reflecting the ongoing tension in the region.
The sit-at-home order, originally introduced by IPOB in August 2021, has been partially lifted but continues to be observed due to fear of attacks. While IPOB officially suspended the order except on days when its leader Nnamdi Kanu appears in court, the local population remains reluctant to fully ignore the directive.
