Tension is rising across the South-East following the announcement by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of a region-wide solidarity lockdown in response to the continued closure of the Onitsha Main Market and broader disagreements with the Anambra State Government.
As both sides harden their positions, residents and traders across the South-East brace for the economic and security implications of the unfolding standoff.
IPOB, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, declared that a Biafra-wide sit-at-home would be observed on Monday, February 2, 2026. The group said the action was intended to show solidarity with traders affected by the market closure and to draw attention to the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the statement, the planned lockdown will involve a temporary shutdown of commercial and public activities across what IPOB described as Biafran territories, including Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi states. Traders, transport operators, banks, schools and civil servants were urged to participate peacefully and voluntarily.
IPOB stressed that the protest was non-violent and not enforced, describing it as a “collective expression of outrage and solidarity” with Onitsha traders. The group accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo of waging “economic warfare” against the people of the region through the closure of the market and threats to revoke shop allocations in the name of redevelopment.
The organisation argued that the long-standing Monday sit-at-home originated as a peaceful protest demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, a cause it said has attracted global attention to Biafra’s self-determination struggle. IPOB dismissed claims that the action amounted to economic sabotage, insisting that past voluntary compliance, including during festive periods, showed it was driven by solidarity rather than fear.
Reaffirming its commitment to non-violence and dialogue, IPOB called for vigilance against provocations and what it described as attempts to discredit its movement. The group warned that the dispute over Onitsha traders was not an isolated issue, declaring that “a war on Onitsha traders is a war on all Biafrans.” No enforcement measures or penalties for non-compliance were outlined.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has unveiled fresh measures aimed at ending recurring market closures, particularly on Mondays. Governor Soludo announced the introduction of a mandatory attendance register for traders across all markets in the state during a meeting with market leaders and stakeholders at the International Conference Centre in Awka.
Under the new directive, line leaders are to keep daily attendance records, while local government chairmen are required to collect the registers by 10:00 a.m. every Monday. Attendance was formally taken at the meeting, which followed the recent shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market.
The governor described the current condition of the Onitsha Main Market as unsightly and revealed that the government is considering a comprehensive redevelopment into a modern commercial hub. He said the proposed redesign, submitted more than three years ago, includes improved motor parks, walkways and modern amenities.
Soludo expressed concern over the persistence of Monday market closures, noting that while residents often engage in other activities on that day, many traders still refuse to open their shops. He recalled engagements with Igbo leaders, including a visit to Kuje Prison where the sit-at-home issue was discussed with Nnamdi Kanu, adding that Kanu later instructed his legal team to dissociate him from the order.
“There is no justification for locking up markets, especially when Onitsha Main Market alone has about 150 security personnel,” the governor said, adding, “You cannot claim to be fighting for your homeland while destroying it.”
While acknowledging traders’ right to stay away from their shops, Soludo warned that the government also reserves the right to revoke land allocations where shops remain consistently closed on Mondays. He said the policy was not revenue-driven, noting that stallage fees are paid annually, but was focused on economic welfare and stability.
Addressing security concerns, the governor promised enhanced, technology-driven security arrangements in markets across the state. He also announced that additional security personnel would be deployed to strategic locations on Mondays and could remain for extended periods if necessary.
The government further directed all motor parks to operate on Mondays, warning that any park that fails to comply will be shut down for one week. Soludo cautioned that individuals enforcing market or shop closures are aiding criminal elements and would be treated as offenders.
Urging traders and residents to cooperate with authorities, the governor encouraged them to report threats or intimidation to security agencies, assuring them of swift investigation and protection.
