IPOB criticises Soludo as security forces shut Onitsha market
Security forces enforced the closure of Onitsha Main Market following an order by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, sparking protests from traders and condemnation from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The closure was implemented after traders reportedly defied government appeals to resume business on Mondays, despite the ongoing sit-at-home directive. IPOB described the security deployment as excessive and urged traders to resist the closure, while the market leadership expressed cautious support for the governor’s decision. Tensions rose as protests broke out, but authorities maintained that the situation was under control.
What we know
- Security operatives, including soldiers and police, enforced the one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market as ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
- The closure followed traders’ refusal to open on Mondays, in line with the sit-at-home directive issued by IPOB.
- IPOB condemned the heavy security presence and called the action “barbaric and unwarranted,” urging traders to defy the order.
- Protests erupted around the market, with traders chanting in support of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
- The market chairman, Chijioke Okpalaugo, described the closure as necessary but appealed to Soludo to reconsider the decision.
