... Soludo declares Anambra open
By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Some parts of Anambra State partially experienced lockdown on Monday as a faction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) declared sit-at-home to counter governor Chukwuma Soludo's directive to traders at Onitsha main market to open.
Factcheckng.com who monitored the situation reported that roads were empty as markets along the road from Nkpor to Upper Iweke, Obodo-ukwu road to Ihiala Local Government Area, including some parts of Nnewi and Nkwo Igbo in Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata LGA, among others were lockdown.
However, Onitsha Main market was reopened for businesses after one week shutdown with traders seen attending to customers amidst heavy security safeguarding the environment.
The governor had shut down the market for one week which started from January 26, 2026 owing to the traders refusal to open shops on Monday despite being issued with Executive order.
Governor Soludo, who visited the market at about 2 pm to monitor the exercise, on Monday, declared the State open and free from 5 years observing of sit-at-home and fear of attacks.
He expressed happiness over the mammoth crowd of traders seen at the market and commended them for complying to the government directive, which according to him was for common good of all.
"Main market, the biggest market in Africa is now open for the first time after five years. And it will remain open. I will come to your shops to buy. You know I'm an Onitsha brought up. I love you all. I thank you for being patriotic citizens, patriotic traders," he stated, assuring them of adequate security protection.
The governor also reiterated his plan to remodel and rebuild the market for the goods of both traders and buyers.
Meanwhile, Awka, the State capital also got its economic activities boosted as commercial banks, private and public schools and civil servants attended to their normal duties.