Onitsha market closure : Traders protest, block River Niger Bridge

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Following the shut down of Onitsha Main market and other adjoining markets last Monday by Governor Chukwuma Soludo over non compliance by traders not to observe the Monday sit-at-home  exercise, the traders Wednesday blocked the ever-busy Onitsha/Asaba/Benin/Lagos highwy at the Onitsha end of the River Niger Bridge.

Consequently, those commercial buses plying to and from Onitsha on daily basis, including travelers from far and wide could not have access to continue their journey following the blockade.

The heavy vehicular gridlock experienced prompted the joint security operatives to storm the scene but the intimidating number of protesters resulted in much not being done to clear the way for road users.

The protesters vowed that unless Governor Soludo reopens the shut markets, the protest would continue stating that they are not politicians but traders fighting for their legitimate means of livelihood.

It was was gathered that the protesters had earlier blocked the Onitsha/Owerri roadi prior to going to the Niger Bridge to ensure complete blockade of the major entrance gate to the Southeast zone.

The protest which started last Monday, entered the third day Wednesday and recorded severe road block that included the River Niger Bridge, that exposed stranded commuters/travelers to danger as they spent hours pleading to be allowed to pass.

According to one of the protesters who simply identified himself as Okeke, “This protest will continue as long as the closure of the markets lasts..

Meanwhile the chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo, when contacted, denied knowledge of the protest adding that those allegedly protesting are miscreants.

In a swift reaction, the Anambra State Police  Public Relations Officer, PPRO,  Tochukwu Ikenga, (SP) said, “The Command in collaboration with other security agencies, remained proactive and resolute in preventing any attempt by miscreants or criminal elements to exploit the temporary closure of markets to cause a breach of peace in Onitsha.

Onitsha market closure : Traders protest, block River Niger Bridge

” The Joint Security Team has successfully contained and deterred all forms of disruptive activities, ensuring the safety of lives and property. 

“The Command also observed the pattern of individuals using social media platforms to incite violence, disrupt public peace, as well as the sharing of unverified videos on social media regarding the security situation in the area.

” Onitsha remains calm and every situation is under control as per the directives of the Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu.. The Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations currently leads the Joint Security Team comprising the Military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and others. 

“The Command urges residents and traders to remain law-abiding and to comply fully with the State government’s directive, assuring the public that the measure is in the overall interest of public safety and security,” he stated.