Anambra Police Enforce Onitsha Market Shutdown Amid Protests

Following Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s directive, Onitsha Main Market remains closed for one week after traders failed to comply with the order to disregard the Monday sit-at-home. Security agencies have barricaded the market, deploying hundreds of officers along with armoured personnel carriers and Hilux vans to block key entry points.

The closure sparked protests on Wednesday, as some traders and residents briefly blocked the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway leading to the River Niger Bridge. Security personnel later moved in to disperse the demonstrators.

During a reinforcement exercise on Thursday, CP Ikioye Orutugu said the operation was aimed at maintaining public safety, order, and confidence in the city. “This is a security assessment tour to personally supervise and evaluate the deployment of Police-led Joint Security Forces at strategic locations within Onitsha,” he said. “The situation remains calm and under control, and we continue to reassure residents, traders, and commuters of their safety.”

The police-led operation continues as the market closure enters its second day, ensuring compliance with the governor’s directive.

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