Soludo Storms Onitsha Market Reopening, Issues Stern Warning Over Monday Sit-At-Home

The order came after the completion of a one-week shutdown imposed by the state government when traders failed to comply with instructions to disregard the Monday sit-at-home directive issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Governor Soludo issued the reopening directive during an inspection visit to the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security operatives.

The governor had earlier ordered the temporary closure of the market after observing that many traders continued to stay away on Mondays, despite repeated assurances from the government and security agencies that the sit-at-home restriction had been lifted.

At the time, Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if traders did not return to business on Mondays, and security agencies were deployed to enforce the shutdown.

The decision triggered protests in Onitsha, as traders marched through major streets carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, demanding that the market be reopened. Many described the closure as an attack on their livelihoods.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed that the one-week closure had ended and instructed traders to resume work immediately.

“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend,” the statement said.

“Accordingly, all traders are hereby directed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State.”

Mefor urged residents to ignore threats from non-state actors, assuring them that security measures were in place across the state.

“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and are encouraged to report any concerns to 5111,” he added.

He also reminded civil servants and teachers that the state’s pro-rata salary policy remains active, meaning workers who stay away on Mondays will not be paid.

Parents were equally advised to ensure their children attend school on Mondays to avoid disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, a faction of IPOB has announced a one-day sit-at-home across the South-East on Monday, February 2, in protest against the market closure.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described the directive as a solidarity strike and condemned Soludo’s action as oppressive.

He insisted the sit-at-home was a voluntary protest in support of Onitsha traders, accusing the governor of acting against the interests of his people.

The announcement has reportedly heightened tension across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, raising concerns about safety and disruption.

However, the Anambra State Police Command has assured residents that it is fully prepared to maintain law and order.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said previous attacks on security personnel and public facilities were carried out by criminal elements attempting to spread fear, adding that the state government and residents are working together to end illegal sit-at-home practices and restore normal activities.