Commercial activities began to pick up at the Onitsha Main Market on Monday following the arrival of the market chairman, Mr. Chijioke Okpalaugo, alongside members of his executive and security personnel.
Traders who had initially gathered around the market at about 10:00 a.m. were hesitant to open their shops despite Governor Charles Soludo’s directive to resume business. Their confidence grew when the chairman and his team arrived, prompting many to enter the market. Some traders also began signing attendance registers, further encouraging participation.
Mr. Okpalaugo, who had been rumored to have resigned his position, was seen at the market but declined to comment when approached by journalists, including those accompanied by Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga.
Several traders expressed relief at resuming business but voiced concerns about future Mondays, noting that the presence of security personnel was crucial to their confidence. Reports indicated that about 55 percent of traders resumed trading immediately after sighting the chairman and his executive, with phone calls circulating to alert others of the attendance register exercise.
While trading activities slowly returned, customer turnout remained low. Vehicular movement towards the market was restricted, as many customers were reluctant to travel. Sections such as Lagos Line, Ado Line, Mandela Line, and White House Line saw traders opening shops and displaying wares, while security operatives patrolled the market to maintain order.
Vanguard gathered that approximately 10,000 shops have been marked for demolition by the state government, a development that has unsettled traders. One trader, who spoke anonymously, said the challenge was not opening shops but attracting customers, as transportation remained limited. Commercial bus and tricycle operators largely stayed off the roads, and those who operated reportedly charged double the usual fare.
Governor Soludo had ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market last Monday after traders failed to comply with the state’s directive to disregard the weekly sit-at-home order. During his visit, he warned that the closure could be extended if traders continued to defy instructions, directing security agencies to enforce compliance.
Although trading resumed at the market, major roads in Onitsha—including Onitsha-Owerri Road, Upper Iweka, Mkpikpa Road, Oguta Road, Awka Road, 33 Housing Estate Road, Nkpor Road, and Obosi—remained deserted, with motor parks shut and little activity observed across the city.
