By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
After nearly five years of economic paralysis caused by the sit-at-home order, traders at the Onitsha Main Market reopened their shops on Monday under heavy security, signalling a cautious return to everyday commercial life in Anambra State.
Armed police officers, soldiers and operatives of the Anambra State security outfits, Agunechemba and Udogachi, were deployed across major corridors of the market, including Lagos Line, Mandela Line, Fashion Line, Children’s Wear Line, Accessories Line and Ado Line, to ensure compliance with the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The reopening followed last week’s ultimatum by Soludo, who ordered a one-week closure of the market after observing that traders were still complying with the illegal Monday shutdown.
He warned that any shop that failed to reopen by Monday, February 2, 2026, risked having its licence revoked or being demolished as part of a planned modernisation exercise.
By about 11:30 am, over 75 per cent of shops were open, although customer turnout remained low and vehicular movement around the market was still thin.
*Traders fear low patronage, appeal for sustained security
Some traders, however, closed early and returned home, citing poor sales and renewed anxiety after rumours circulated that some security operatives were withdrawing from the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described the level of compliance as impressive.
“You can see that the issue of Monday sit-at-home has been laid to rest. I can score compliance at over 80 per cent. The command is proactive and committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property, not just on Mondays but every day,” he said.
Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalugo, dismissed claims that non-state actors had threatened him to lock the market.
“I did not receive any threat from any quarter to lock the market. As you can see, activities are ongoing, and traders are opening their shops joyfully without fear,” he said.
A trader at Emeka Ofor Plaza, Mrs Nwada Chinyere, lauded the visible presence of security operatives.
“Other states in the Southeast have opened their markets on Mondays for years. We need this level of security to be sustained if this problem must truly end,” she said.
Another trader, Chief Silas Igwe, said the development brought relief after years of losses.
“Monday is the most important day for business. We are happy to be back, and we hope this is sustained,” he said.
However, fears are growing over the governor’s plan to demolish more than 10,000 shops as part of a redevelopment programme.
Mr Uzuchukwu Okoye urged Soludo to reconsider the policy.
“Demolishing these shops will destroy more livelihoods than the sit-at-home ever did. We are already here obeying the directive. What we need is security and support, not bulldozers,” he said.
A human rights activist and Convener of Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, commended the government’s resolve.
“The era of sit-at-home is over. Traders must also elect leaders with integrity and vision to protect their interests,” he said.
Similarly, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, assured traders of sustained protection.
“Agunechemba will remain battle-ready. Traders should go about their lawful businesses without fear,” he said.
The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Chief Anthony Nworah, described the reopening as historic.
“For four and a half years, this market was shut every Monday. Today, history has been made. The economic losses were enormous, both for traders and the government,” he said.
Beyond Onitsha, markets at Ogbunike (motor spare parts), Ogbogwu (drug market), Upper Iweka, Eke Awka and Atani also recorded partial resumption, while Ochanja and Relief markets saw low turnout.
In Awka, the state capital, shops along the busy Zik’s Avenue, public and private schools, filling stations and business centres opened normally, signalling what the state government described as a gradual return to economic normalcy.
Despite the cautious optimism, many traders admitted that fear and uncertainty persist, not only over security concerns, but also over the looming demolition that may reshape the future of the largest commercial hub in Anambra State.
