Despite repeated threats from Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at ending the sit-at-home order in the Southeast, economic activities across major cities in Anambra, including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia, came to a standstill once again on Monday.
This persistent closure of markets, businesses, and public spaces underscores the deep-rooted impact of the sit-at-home order, which was initially imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) but has now taken on a life of its own due to security fears.
Our correspondent, who visited several commercial areas, observed that turnout was abysmally low in key markets like Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor motor parts market, and Mgbuka Market. Most shops remained locked, and traders who showed up were reluctant to open their stores, preferring instead to observe the situation from a distance. “I came to the market today to see if things are back to normal, but I don’t feel safe opening my shop,” said Udoka, a textile trader at Onitsha Main Market. “The presence of security personnel is encouraging, but it’s still not enough for many of us.”
The sit-at-home order, initially enforced every Monday by IPOB in 2021 to pressure the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was officially suspended by the group. However, many in the region continue to observe it due to fear of violent reprisals from hoodlums who claim to be enforcing the order. This fear has created a self-sustaining cycle where traders and business owners are too frightened to resume normal activities, despite IPOB’s decision to relax the order.
Efforts by Governor Soludo to break this cycle have so far been unsuccessful. During a visit to Onitsha Main Market the previous Monday, Soludo issued a stern ultimatum, warning that any trader or business that failed to open on Mondays would face severe consequences, including the sealing of shops for up to one month. He stressed that the continuous closure of businesses was damaging the local economy and could drive customers to other regions. “I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business,” Soludo said, urging traders to open from Monday through Saturday.
The governor further lamented the financial toll of the sit-at-home order, estimating that the Southeast loses an estimated N19.6 billion in revenue every Monday due to the widespread closure of markets, motor parks, schools, and other commercial hubs. “This persistent shutdown is unsustainable for our economy,” Soludo warned. “If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. We cannot afford to let this continue.”
However, despite these threats, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. Most businesses in Onitsha, Nnewi, and other key commercial centers stayed closed, with streets deserted and public services like banks, schools, and petrol stations also shutting down. Motor parks, which are usually bustling with activity, were also empty, further contributing to the eerie quiet that has become the new normal on Mondays in Anambra.
Security agencies have ramped up efforts to reassure the public. Personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen patrolling the markets and encouraging traders to resume their activities. “We are conducting anti-sit-at-home operations to make sure the public feels safe,” one officer said, adding that more security presence would be deployed if needed. Yet, the reluctance of traders to open their shops highlights the depth of the fear that continues to grip the region.
While some traders were seen hovering around the market premises, few dared to open their stores, preferring instead to sell from the roadside or take a wait-and-see approach. One trader commented, “The presence of NSCDC officers is encouraging, but it will take more than a few patrols to convince people to open their shops. Most people are afraid of opening for fear of being attacked by those enforcing the sit-at-home order.”
Adding to the tension is the fact that Governor Soludo did not return to inspect the markets on Monday, despite his promise during his earlier visit. This absence has left traders and residents questioning whether the government is truly committed to ensuring their safety or whether more concrete steps are needed to restore confidence in the state’s ability to provide adequate protection.
The ongoing sit-at-home order is not just affecting businesses—it is taking a toll on the broader economy of the Southeast. With markets closed, residents are unable to conduct daily transactions, leading to a ripple effect that impacts food supply chains, transportation, and public services. Many are calling for more strategic interventions from the government, including enhanced security measures and dialogue with key stakeholders to address the root causes of the sit-at-home order.
In the meantime, traders and business owners continue to walk a fine line between reopening and staying closed, as the fear of violence outweighs the potential financial losses of keeping their shops shut. While Governor Soludo’s threats may have been aimed at forcing a return to normalcy, the ongoing reality suggests that more than just warnings are needed to break the grip of fear and uncertainty that has kept Anambra’s streets empty on Mondays.
As it stands, the sit-at-home order remains a powerful symbol of the region’s complex political and social challenges. Without a clear resolution in sight, the economic paralysis it causes may persist, with the potential for long-term damage to Anambra’s—and the Southeast’s—economic future.
