January 30, (THEWILL) — The controversy surrounding the closure of the Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State Government has deepened following the declaration of a total lockdown across the Southeast by the Indigenous People of Biafra in solidarity with affected traders.
Governor Charles Soludo had directed the temporary closure of the market on Monday, January 26, 2026, citing the continued observance of Monday sit-at-home by traders despite the state governments earlier directive to resume full economic activities.
Governor Soludo warned that the sit-at-home practice is costing the state economy billions of Naira weekly and vowed to sanction any individuals or organizations that continue to flout official directives.
Tension escalated on Tuesday when traders who attempted to resume business found the market locked and guarded by a heavy security presence. In response, IPOB has announced a region-wide lockdown scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026.
In a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the market closure as tyrannical and accused the governor of waging economic warfare against the people of the Southeast.
The group declared that all economic and social activities across the region should be shut down on February 2 in protest. IPOB characterized the planned lockdown as a collective expression of outrage against threats of prolonged closures, land revocations, and demolitions.
The group maintained that the Monday sit-at-home originally started as a peaceful protest to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu and argued that traders observe it out of solidarity rather than fear.
IPOB called on residents of Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi states to remain indoors and urged banks, schools, and transporters to comply with the solidarity strike.
While IPOB has called for a total shutdown, the Anambra State Government has reminded traders that the Onitsha Main Market is scheduled to reopen on February 2, provided they are ready to resume full operations.
Commissioner for Information Law Mefor stated that any market found closed on that day would face a further one-month shutdown. The state government has also announced plans to pay civil servants on a pro-rata basis starting in February to discourage absenteeism on Mondays.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
