Authorities crack down on traders who ignored directives to reopen, warning of possible loss of shop ownership.
More than 200 shops at Bridge Head Market in Onitsha have been sealed by the Onitsha South Local Government Council for refusing to open on Mondays, in defiance of the Anambra State Government’s directive to end the sit-at-home practice.
Council Chairman, Emeka Orji, who led a compliance monitoring exercise, said the affected shops—spread across six market lines—were found locked during business hours, while other markets in the city remained open. He described the action as “unfortunate and counterproductive,” accusing the traders of undermining efforts to revive economic activities in the state.
Orji warned that the sealed shops will remain closed until next Monday, adding that failure to comply could lead to indefinite closure and possible revocation of shop allocations. He noted that authorities are already considering reassigning the shops to other traders, pending the outcome of investigations.
Council Secretary, Paul Onuachalla, backed the move, stressing that the traders’ actions could amount to economic sabotage under existing laws, with serious consequences for violators.
The council reiterated its resolve to enforce compliance and ensure markets operate fully to support economic recovery in the state.
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