27/01/2026
Breaking News
Onitsha Traders Protest Shutdown of Main Market Over Monday Sit-At-Home
Onitsha, January 27, 2026
Traders at the Onitsha Main Market have staged a massive protest today following an order by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to shut down the market for one week.
The shutdown reportedly followed the traders’ voluntary observance of the Monday sit-at-home protest, which they say is aimed at pressing for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to reports and video footage available to the media, thousands of traders flooded the market premises, chanting solidarity songs and expressing support for the Biafra self-determination struggle. The protest took place amid heavy security presence, with security agencies barricading strategic points around the market.
The protesting traders described the shutdown order as illegal and an infringement on their constitutional rights. They argued that the decision to close their businesses was voluntary and should not attract punitive measures from the government.
They further called on Governor Soludo to respect their right to conduct business without undue interference, insisting that economic activities should not be restricted through what they described as authoritarian directives.
The traders also appealed to the general public to hold the Anambra State Government accountable should any harm come to protesters during the exercise of their civic rights.
Writen By Nwaiwu Chukwuebuka.