Traders at the Onitsha Main Market on Monday complied with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive, reopening for business to curb the longstanding Monday sit-at-home order.

Some stalls remained locked, while other traders loitered or cautiously attended to customers.

Traders described the atmosphere as tense, citing lingering fear despite the official reopening of the market. Some others said they were present only to observe developments, noting safety concerns as their reason for not trading.

Mr Soludo had earlier shut the market during a visit, faulting market leaders for defying government instructions to open for commercial activities.

“The real enemy is the fear-enforced Monday sit-at-home,” said Mr Soludo, who also threatened to take over and revoke ownership of shops and markets that continue to comply with the orders.

Journalists observed on Monday that major roads in Onitsha, Ogbaru, and Nnewi were largely deserted, with only a few vehicles in sight.

At Ochanga Market, the situation differed, as traders neither opened stalls nor displayed wares for commercial activities.

The reopening excited many traders and residents, who praised Mr Soludo for what they described as a bold intervention.

A trader, Oke Akachukwu, said, “Opening on Mondays gives us more trading days and better chances to increase sales.”

Journalists also observed a heavy security presence across the market, with personnel patrolling as more traders gradually resumed operations.

(NAN)