The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has challenged the governors of the South-East by announcing a full lockdown across the region on Monday, February 2, 2026, in response to the closure of the Onitsha Main Market by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The group called on traders, transport operators, banks, schools, civil servants, and all other sectors in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and neighboring areas to participate peacefully in the solidarity lockdown.
Governor Soludo has directed the immediate redevelopment of the Onitsha Main Market following its temporary one-week closure. During a recent inspection, he expressed concern over the market’s deterioration, noting that what was once the largest market in West Africa had “literally died” due to years of poor planning and disruption caused by IPOB’s Monday sit-at-home order.
Speaking to stakeholders in Awka, Soludo stated, “The Onitsha Main Market, in its current form, is no longer functional. Previously, wide streets allowed trucks and shoppers to move freely. Today, that layout has been replaced by chaos. If people cannot park, they cannot shop. The market has been effectively shut down for over 260 days, with billions of naira lost weekly and customers redirected to markets in neighboring states.”
He emphasized that the redevelopment aligns with his vision for planned, sustainable, and globally competitive markets. Experts commissioned in 2023 have drafted a reconstruction plan for the 25-hectare site to enhance logistics and commercial efficiency.
Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo, Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, confirmed that traders support the government’s plan for a modernized market. He noted, “After reviewing the proposals, we have chosen ‘Option 2’ as the preferred path forward. Leadership requires difficult choices, and we accept this for the good of Ndi Anambra and the survival of our iconic market. We are committed to a planned, accessible, and sustainable market.”
IPOB, through its spokesperson Emma Powerful, condemned Soludo’s actions, describing them as punitive measures against traders and a threat to the South-East economy. The group said the lockdown is a peaceful, voluntary demonstration of solidarity with traders and a protest against restrictions imposed due to the Monday sit-at-home order.
The statement read in part: “IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, declares a Biafra-wide strike to protest the unjust closure of Onitsha Main Market and the threats of further shutdowns, land revocations, and demolitions. This is a peaceful, collective expression of outrage. All Biafrans are urged to remain indoors, suspend commercial activities, and demonstrate disciplined solidarity with Onitsha traders. Soludo’s actions amount to economic warfare against the people.”
The group reiterated its commitment to non-violence, emphasizing that the strike is meant to uphold civil rights and demand justice for their leader, while discouraging confrontations or lawlessness.
