Onitsha, Anambra State — Pandemonium erupted at the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday as traders clashed with security operatives enforcing the closure of the commercial hub.
The Anambra State Government had ordered the shutdown of the market on Monday, following the continued observance of the sit-at-home directive linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Governor Charles Soludo questioned why traders continued to keep their shops closed despite what he described as a return of peace and normalcy across the state.
Early on Tuesday, security presence around the market was significantly reinforced, with armoured vehicles and heavily armed police officers deployed to enforce the closure.
However, tension escalated when traders later defied the directive and attempted to gain access to their shops. Their refusal to comply with the government’s order reportedly triggered a confrontation with security personnel.
Videos circulating on social media show traders fleeing the market area amid the sound of gunshots, as chaos spread across the busy commercial centre.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement on casualties or arrests, while security operatives remain on ground to restore order.
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