Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders defied government directives on the sit-at-home order.
Soludo personally enforced the shutdown during an unscheduled visit to the market with senior government officials.
He stated that despite repeated assurances of improved security, many traders still refused to open their shops on Mondays.
“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 it. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens,” Soludo declared.
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The governor warned that traders who fail to reopen after the one-week shutdown risk having the market sealed for one month.
“The rules are that markets open Monday to Saturday. If you are not prepared to open your shops Monday to Saturday, then leave Anambra. Go elsewhere. Period,” he emphasized.
Security agencies, including the police, army, and a joint task force, mounted heavy enforcement at the market to ensure compliance.
Although the market is scheduled to reopen next Monday, Soludo announced that officials will monitor traders closely.
He vowed that any shop that remains closed after the shutdown will be sealed permanently.
