Soludo Seals Onitsha Main Market for One Week over Sit-at-home Compliance

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to comply with government directives to disregard the weekly Monday sit‑at‑home order.

The closure, which took effect immediately on Monday, 26 January 2026, was enforced during an unscheduled visit by Governor Soludo and senior government officials, supported by security agencies. A joint task force of police, army, and other security personnel was deployed to seal the market and ensure compliance. Governor Soludo described the traders’ defiance as “economic sabotage” and a challenge to state authority, emphasizing that the government would not allow fear or non-state orders to dictate business activities in the state. He warned that the shutdown could be extended beyond one week if traders continued to observe the sit‑at‑home directive. The Monday sit‑at‑home practice has been observed in parts of the South-East region for years, often linked to separatist pressures and security concerns. Despite repeated government efforts to end the practice, many markets and offices have routinely remained closed on Mondays. Governor Soludo further stated that anyone found promoting or enforcing the sit‑at‑home order may face sanctions and legal action. The government has urged traders and residents to resume normal business activities immediately to prevent further economic disruption.