Commercial life showed mixed signals across Onitsha on Monday as traders returned to the Main Market after a week-long shutdown, while large sections of the city remained largely inactive due to the continued observance of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home directive.
The reopening of the Onitsha Main Market followed an earlier order by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who had shut the market last week after traders failed to comply with the state government’s instruction to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.
The market had remained closed on Mondays since the IPOB directive took effect in August 2021.
Despite the partial resumption of trading, many parts of the city were quiet, with banks, schools, filling stations, and motor parks not operating. Major routes, including the Onitsha–Owerri Road, Upper Iweka axis, Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Road, and the Onitsha–Oba–Nnewi corridor, recorded minimal movement, as residents largely stayed indoors.
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Similarly, access roads to the Ochanja Market were mostly empty, with only small groups of residents seen gathering at a few locations to hold discussions.
The scene contrasted sharply with the usual weekday rush marked by heavy traffic, bustling markets, and widespread commercial activity.
Meanwhile, IPOB described the development as a success, with its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, issuing a statement on Monday praising residents for complying with the sit-at-home order.
Powerful said, “The Indigenous People of Biafra confirms total and overwhelming compliance with the sit-at-home directive issued across Biafraland. This historic show of unity has once again demonstrated that the deep love, loyalty, and resolve of the Biafran people toward Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot be broken by threats, intimidation, or state-sponsored coercion.
“From Omambala to Onitsha and across the South-East, the people have spoken with one voice. The land of Eri, Nri, Igbo-Ukwu, and Uzo-Igbo has reaffirmed its historic role as the conscience and backbone of the Igbo nation. Our people are born free—and will not submit to fear.
“This peaceful but firm compliance is a clear message: the Biafran people will not be forced to abandon their leader or betray their collective will. The love for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a weakness to be envied or attacked—it is a strength that binds our people and fuels our lawful demand for justice and freedom.
“IPOB remains committed to order, discipline, and respect for institutions, but we will resist every attempt to intimidate, humiliate, or enslave our people. The continued illegal detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu only reinforces the legitimacy of this resistance.”