Commercial activities grounded to a halt across parts of Anambra State on Monday as banks and major markets remained completely shut in continued solidarity with traders and residents enforcing the weekly sit-at-home protest.
In Onitsha, all commercial banks reportedly closed operations in support of market traders who say they are being oppressed, despite directives from the state government to resume business. This comes amid revelations that only 17 traders reportedly showed up after Governor Chukwuma Soludo allegedly ordered market leaders to take attendance at the Onitsha Main Market to prove compliance with the reopening directive.
Similarly, in Nnewi, one of the state’s major commercial hubs, markets were also completely shut on Monday morning. Residents were seen staying indoors as the sit-at-home order was widely observed, defying the state government’s repeated calls for traders and businesses to reopen.
Sources in the affected communities say traders and residents remain resolute, insisting that the Monday sit-at-home protest will continue until the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is released from detention.
The Anambra State Government has consistently described the sit-at-home order as illegal and economically damaging, urging residents to return to normal activities. However, compliance with the protest remains strong in several parts of the state, reflecting ongoing tension between public sentiment and government directives.
