The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, on Thursday led a police-led joint security operation to enforce the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market as directed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The state government ordered the temporary shutdown of the market after traders reportedly failed to comply with the directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order. Governor Soludo announced the decision during an on-the-spot assessment of the market on Monday, accompanied by top government officials.
Following the directive, security agencies on Tuesday barricaded the market, deploying hundreds of operatives across the area. Armoured personnel carriers and Hilux patrol vans were stationed at key access points to restrict movement into the market.
The enforcement exercise sparked protests by some residents and traders, who on Wednesday blocked the busy Asaba–Onitsha Expressway leading to the River Niger Bridge for several minutes before security operatives dispersed them.
Speaking during the reinforcement exercise on Thursday, CP Orutugu said his visit was aimed at strengthening public order, safety and confidence within Onitsha and surrounding areas.
“This is a security assessment tour, to personally supervise and evaluate the deployment of Police-led Joint Security Forces at strategic locations within Onitsha.
“This proactive engagement underscores the Command’s resolve to maintain peace, ensure compliance with lawful directives, and prevent any breach of public order.
“The security situation in Onitsha remains calm and firmly under control, as the Command continues to reassure residents, traders, and commuters of their safety,” the police commissioner said.
It’s had earlier reported that police operatives blocked protesters on Wednesday during a demonstration against the market closure near the Onitsha head bridge.
As the one-week closure entered its second day, some traders and residents staged a brief road blockade before security operatives intervened and restored normal traffic flow
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