The Anambra State Government has warned that traders at the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha who defy directives to resume business on Mondays may face indefinite market closures.
On Monday, local government authorities sealed more than 200 shops across six market lines at the Bridge Head Market after traders ignored the state’s sit-at-home compliance directive. The enforcement exercise was led by Onitsha South Local Government Chairman, Emeka Orji, and the council Secretary, Paul Onuachalla. Padlocks were placed on shop entrances to prevent access.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Orji described the traders’ actions as deliberate sabotage against the state’s efforts to revive economic activity. “Other markets and shops in Onitsha were open for business, but traders at the Bridge Head Market chose to shut down their operations. This amounts to economic sabotage, and we will no longer tolerate such actions,” he said.
Orji warned that the sealed shops would remain closed until next Monday, with the possibility of indefinite closure if compliance is not observed. He added that shop allocations could be revoked and reassigned pending a full investigation.
Council Secretary Onuachalla echoed the warning, stating that refusal to open shops could constitute serious legal offences. “This action amounts to economic sabotage and could be interpreted as aiding unlawful activities. Allocations of those shops are under review, and the government retains overriding authority over public property,” he said.
The sit-at-home directive in Onitsha has been a source of tension, with the Charles Soludo administration emphasizing strict enforcement to restore normal commercial operations. Authorities have made it clear that defiance of lawful directives will attract stiff penalties.