Security agencies have been deployed to Onitsha Main Market to enforce the one-week closure ordered by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo.
On Tuesday morning, security personnel were stationed at strategic points around the market, while armoured personnel carriers and patrol vehicles blocked access to the premises.
Armed police officers were also deployed to prevent traders and customers from entering the market.
Traders were seen standing outside the locked gates as shops remained closed.
Some traders appealed to the state government to reconsider the closure.
The market was sealed after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to suspend the Monday sit-at-home and resume trading.
Governor Soludo ordered the closure on Monday during an unscheduled visit to the market when traders refused to open their shops.
Addressing traders, Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if defiance continued.
“I don’t mind closing this market for the rest of this year, and if it gets too much, we will bring bulldozers and level this market,” he said.
“If you are not ready to trade on Monday, leave Anambra and go elsewhere.”
He added that the government would not allow actions that disrupt economic activities in the state.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage,” Soludo said.
“We are not going to allow this.”
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, opposed the closure and urged traders to resume business on Tuesday despite the government’s directive.
Security agencies continued enforcement of the closure as traders gathered in groups around the market area discussing the situation, while access to the premises remained restricted.
The Anambra State Government said the continued Monday sit-at-home causes economic losses to the state and the South-East region and insisted that the closure was aimed at restoring regular trading activities.
