Soludo Issues 14-Day Eviction Notice to Onitsha Traders, Marks 10,000 Shops for Demolition Over Sit-at-Home
“Governor Soludo issues a 14-day eviction notice to Onitsha Main Market traders, marking over 10,000 shops for demolition amid enforcement of the sit-at-home ban.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued a 14-day ultimatum to traders at the Onitsha Main Market to vacate their shops after more than 10,000 stores were marked for demolition, sparking anxiety among business owners and families who depend on the market for survival.
The development follows mounting controversy over the governor’s decision to shut down the market for one week on Monday, January 26, due to traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home despite repeated government directives banning the practice.
During an unscheduled inspection of the market, Governor Soludo reportedly observed that several shops remained closed in defiance of the state government’s order lifting the sit-at-home linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He described the persistent closure of businesses every Monday as unacceptable, warning that actions undermining economic activities and public order would no longer be tolerated.
The governor had earlier directed traders across the state to open their businesses from Monday to Saturday or relocate elsewhere.
Although some traders partially complied with the directive and reopened their shops, many said they were shocked to discover demolition markings on their stores upon returning to business.
One of the affected traders, Uzochukwu Joseph Okoye, who owns a clothing shop in the market, described the 14-day relocation deadline as unrealistic and devastating.
“We came this morning and saw markings on many shops instructing us to vacate within 14 days. That time is too short for us to do anything meaningful,” Okoye said.
He explained that despite reopening, traders are still battling operational challenges, including transportation difficulties and limited banking services on Mondays, which discourage full business activity.
According to him, commercial transport services such as tricycles and buses remain scarce on Mondays, making access to the market difficult for traders and customers.
Okoye also questioned the justification for the planned demolition, stating that most of the affected shops were constructed with government approval and that traders have consistently paid taxes to the state.
He further lamented that no alternative business locations have been provided for displaced traders, warning that the demolition could severely affect thousands of households.
“If over 10,000 shops are demolished, it will affect about 50,000 families. Many people depend on this market for feeding, school fees, and healthcare,” he said.
The trader appealed to the state government to reconsider the timeline, proposing at least one year for traders to reorganize and secure alternative shop spaces.
He noted that Onitsha Main Market is already congested, with limited vacant shop spaces available for relocation.
The proposed demolition has heightened tension among traders, many of whom are urging the government to balance economic stability with regulatory enforcement while providing viable relocation options.
