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By Tracy Moses
The Monday sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) largely failed across the South-East on Monday, as markets, schools, and businesses operated almost normally in Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra states.
Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State resumed business after a one-week shutdown enforced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, signaling a decisive break from previous Mondays when shops remained closed in deference to sit-at-home directives.
The controversy has its roots in the region’s long history of Monday sit-at-home orders linked to IPOB, a separatist movement advocating self-determination for the Igbo people. Such directives have historically targeted markets, businesses, schools, and public offices, often in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB’s detained leader, or to protest government actions.
The February 2, 2026, order was announced ostensibly to support Onitsha Main Market traders after the state-mandated closure. However, the Head of IPOB’s Directorate of State, Chukwukadia Edoziem, later disowned the directive, describing it as “misleading and unauthorized,” even as IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful lauded compliance across the region, excluding Onitsha.
On Monday, traders reopened shops across major lines, including Fashion Line, Children’s Wear Line, Accessories Line, Lagos Line, Ado Line, Mandela Line, and Emeka Offor Plaza. By mid-morning, trading had resumed in more than 70 percent of shops, a stark departure from the near-empty markets seen in previous Mondays.
Governor Soludo personally visited the market, walking through high-traffic areas such as Ose Market, Bright Street, and Emeka Offor Plaza. Accompanied by senior officials and security operatives, he interacted with traders and purchased goods, sending a clear signal that the fear associated with the sit-at-home had waned.
“Ndi Anambra are taking back their day, their economy, and their future. Today marks an end to the sit-at-home,” Soludo said. “I am satisfied with the large turnout of traders at the Onitsha Main Market today. It is impressive the number of people who have come to make purchases.”
While the Onitsha Main Market recorded high turnout, adjoining markets such as Ochanja and Relief Market were less busy, with many shops remaining closed.
Soludo also issued a 14-day ultimatum for the removal of illegal structures within the market, affecting over 10,000 shops, prompting concerns among traders about potential displacement.
“We opened today, but business is not yet like other days,” said Uzochukwu Okoye, a clothing trader. “The 14-day notice is too short. We are begging the governor to give us more time and also ensure banks and transport operators fully resume on Mondays.”
Godwin Uche, another trader, expressed concern for affected families: “If this demolition happens without proper relocation plans, over 50,000 families could be displaced. We are asking for dialogue before drastic measures are taken.”
Despite these concerns, some traders welcomed the heavy security presence in the market.
“The police and other security operatives are ensuring peace. We feel safer and can trade without fear,” said Chinonso Eze, a trader in Emeka Offor Plaza. Across the South-East, the sit-at-home order had minimal impact in Ebonyi State, where markets, schools, and public offices functioned normally. In Abia State, the order was partially observed, with markets in Aba, including Ariaria and New Market, opening, while some traders stayed away.
In Enugu State, intracity movements continued, but inter-state transport along the Enugu-Onitsha and Abuja-Enugu-Onitsha routes was affected, with some private schools dismissing students early.
Responding to the contrasting claims of compliance, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful said, “The sit-at-home demonstrates continued support for Nnamdi Kanu and our cause, except in Onitsha, where some traders failed to comply. Nevertheless, our people are showing resilience and solidarity.”
Security agencies and state governments, meanwhile, assured residents that they were free to carry on with lawful activities. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, stated: “We are committed to ensuring the safety of traders and residents. Nobody should be intimidated from conducting lawful business.”
Monday’s events reflect a growing willingness among South-East residents to reclaim economic agency, even amid the complex tensions between grassroots activism and state authority. For many traders, business continuity appears to be taking precedence over directives from non-state actors.