Commercial activities have resumed at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State following a one-week closure ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo amid concerns over compliance with sit-at-home directives.
The market reopened on Monday under heightened security, with authorities reiterating warnings against adherence to sit-at-home orders issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The closure was earlier ordered by the state government after reports indicated that some traders complied with a Monday sit-at-home directive, prompting the governor to warn that continued non-compliance with government instructions could lead to further shutdowns.
Reports from the market on Monday showed traders returning to business early in the day, with many reopening their shops as early as 8:45 a.m.
Commercial activities were observed across major sections of the market, including Egerton, Ose Foodstuff Market and The Young Park, a key entrance to the Main Market. Other busy areas such as Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line and Marine also recorded significant trading activities as customers gradually returned to patronize shops.
Observers noted that the development signals growing compliance with government directives urging residents and traders to ignore the sit-at-home orders and resume normal economic activities.