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Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders ignored the state government’s directive to operate normally on Mondays, defying the sit-at-home order.
During an inspection of the market on Monday, Soludo, accompanied by government officials and aides, confirmed that security agencies had sealed the premises to enforce the closure.
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He warned that the lockdown could extend further if traders fail to comply.
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Soludo shuts Onitsha market for one week
Describing the development as a necessary intervention, Soludo said, “The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage. We are not going to allow this. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens.”
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The governor added that traders must either resume business or relocate, warning that continued defiance could lead to a one-month lockdown.
Soludo threatens extended closure for defiant Onitsha traders
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A joint task force of police, army, and other security agencies was seen ensuring the market remained closed, highlighting the government’s determination to end disruptions caused by recurring Monday sit-at-home orders.
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The outcome of the week-long closure will indicate whether traders will return or continue to comply with the Monday sit-at-home, affecting not only Onitsha’s commercial rhythm but also the broader economic activities in the South-East.
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Earlier, the state government announced that civil servants’ salaries would be adjusted according to Monday attendance, effective February 2026, as part of measures to discourage the sit-at-home protests.
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