Tensions gripped Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State on Monday morning after a coffin was reportedly placed at the entrance of the market’s administrative building, the “White House,” overnight Sunday.
The incident, believed to be a warning to traders against resuming business following Governor Charles Soludo’s directive, caused fear and confusion across the commercial hub.
Sources told Vanguard that the coffin appeared mysteriously, with no explanation from security personnel on how or when it was placed. Traders linked the act to ongoing threats aimed at resisting the government’s order to reopen the market on Monday, February 2.
“This is exactly how the chairman of Mgbuka Amazu Market, Francis Enibe, was kidnapped over two years ago on a Monday. Till now, he’s yet to be found,” a trader said.
Amid the unrest, unconfirmed reports suggest that the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has resigned, allegedly citing threats to his life over enforcing the reopening. While the resignation could not be independently verified, traders said the news has been circulating widely on WhatsApp groups.
“He doesn’t want to risk his life by enforcing the reopening. That’s why he allegedly stepped down,” a market insider revealed.
As of Monday morning, the usually busy market remained deserted, with no vehicular or human activity observed. Many traders said they had instructed their apprentices to stay away, citing fears of possible attacks.
“I told my boys not to step out today. I don’t want to be explaining anything to their parents,” one trader said.
Reacting to the situation, trader Okechukwu Okafor urged Governor Soludo to personally address traders in Onitsha before the market could safely reopen.
“It’s not just about sitting in Awka, surrounded by soldiers and police, and giving orders. He should come down here, like he did last week when he came to shut down the market. He should come and do the official reopening too, so people can feel safe to return,” Okafor said.