Video: Soludo shuts down Africa’s largest market for one week over sit-at-home defiance

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a bold crackdown on separatist-enforced disruptions, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the immediate one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market—Africa’s largest trading hub—this morning.

Video: Soludo shuts down Africa’s largest market for week over sit-at-home defiance

Security agencies swiftly sealed the market’s entrances to enforce the directive, with Soludo warning traders of even longer shutdowns if they fail to reopen next Monday and ignore the state’s rules.

The move targets traders’ compliance with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)-backed Monday sit-at-home order, which has plagued Southeast Nigeria since 2021.

Originating from IPOB’s demands for the release of its leader Nnamdi Kanu and Biafran independence, the orders persist despite court rulings deeming them illegal and causing billions in weekly economic losses across the region, including Anambra.

Addressing reporters directly, Soludo laid down the law without mincing words, “Yes, and the rules are that markets are open Monday to Saturday. If you’re not prepared to open your shops on Monday starting today, then leave Anambra and go elsewhere. Period. Okay? So this market will be shut down for the remainder of this week. It will not be opened tomorrow. It will not reopen on Wednesday. It will not be opening Thursday. It will not be open on Friday. It will open again on Monday. And if we come on Monday and you don’t open.”

The governor’s ultimatum underscores escalating tensions between state authority and separatist activities, as the market—vital to regional commerce—remains locked until next week.