Several traders and angry residents on Wednesday staged a protest at the Onitsha Head Bridge, blocking the major route in anger over Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to shut down the Onitsha Main Market.
In a video circulating on X and shared by media analyst Somto Okonkwo, protesters were seen occupying the bridge, which serves as a key entry and exit point into Anambra State, disrupting vehicular movement and commercial activities.
The protest followed Tuesday’s unrest at the Onitsha Main Market, where traders attempted to access their shops but were denied entry by security operatives acting on the governor’s directive. The development reportedly led to chaos, as security personnel allegedly fired shots into the air to restore calm.
Governor Soludo had earlier warned that the state government would shut down the Onitsha Main Market over the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home by traders. The sit-at-home order has been linked to solidarity with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently serving a life sentence in a Sokoto prison.
The market closure and subsequent protests have heightened tension in the commercial city, raising concerns about economic disruption and public safety.
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