Authorities in Anambra State have shut down more than 1,000 shops at a major drug market in Onitsha as part of efforts to enforce the end of the Monday sit-at-home order.
The enforcement operation took place at the Bridgehead Drug Market, popularly known as Ogbogwu Market, on Monday afternoon. It was carried out by state officials with support from a local security outfit known as Operation Udo Ga Achi.
Witnesses said the officials began the exercise at around 14:30 local time, moving through the market and placing red “Sealed” notices on shops that were closed.
Only shops that remained shut during trading hours were affected, while businesses that opened for the day were allowed to continue operating.
The action follows an earlier directive by the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, suspending the Monday sit-at-home order which has disrupted economic activities in parts of south-eastern Nigeria.
Some traders who were present during the operation were seen contacting shop owners whose businesses had been locked and sealed.
Attempts to reach the chairman of the market, Chukwuleta Ndubuisi, for comment were unsuccessful because of network difficulties.
However, the president of the Ogbaru Main Market Traders Association, Ndubuisi Ochiogu, said traders had been complying with the directive to open their shops on Mondays.
He said a joint monitoring team from the state government and the local government authority had earlier visited the market and commended traders for following the order.
“We open our shops every Monday in compliance with the governor’s directive, and more traders continue to respond positively,” Mr Ochiogu said.
The sit-at-home practice in the region began as a protest linked to political tensions but has continued in some areas despite government efforts to end it.
Authorities in Anambra State say the enforcement is aimed at restoring normal economic activities and ensuring that businesses operate fully on Mondays.
