‘We will Take Over Shops That Remain Closed’ – Anambra Governor Soludo Doubles Down Against Sit-at-Home Orders

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has issued a final warning to traders in Anambra State, threatening to permanently revoke shop ownership from those who continue to observe the Monday sit-at-home. Addressing the state on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the governor accused non-compliant traders of sabotaging the state’s economy and dampening its prosperity by denying 20% of the annual workdays.

“2024, 2025, we were very patient. 2022, 2023, we were busy fighting all of this. 2026, we’re turning on Gear 4. Anybody that closes any of this, we’ll help you close it for the next week,” Soludo declared. He emphasized that the state possesses the legal authority to revoke ownership in the public interest, adding, “If you like holidays, we’ll help you. But going forward, we’ll now come after you and take those from you and give to those who are ready to use them.”

The governor’s hardline stance follows his Monday order to seal the Onitsha Main Market for one week—a move that has triggered widespread unrest. For the second consecutive day, hundreds of traders and residents have taken to the streets in protest, effectively blocking the Niger Bridge and surrounding major arteries like the Head Bridge and Upper Iweka axis.

Protesters, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards with inscriptions such as “Show us the law, Soludo,” accused the government of punishing ordinary citizens who are caught between state directives and security threats. Some groups were seen chanting slogans in support of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that the market closure is a misplaced aggression against victims of insecurity rather than the perpetrators.

The standoff has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters:

• Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI): Appealed for an early reopening, noting that the closure is causing severe hardship for SMEs and disrupting national inventory flows.

• Federal Lawmakers: Rep. Obi Aguocha (Abia State) tackled Soludo, calling the method “counterproductive” and warning that it could reignite old resentments in the region.

• IPOB: Described the governor’s action as “economic sabotage” against his own people and urged traders to defy the closure.

Despite the mounting pressure and reports of sporadic gunshots as security forces dispersed crowds on Tuesday, Governor Soludo remains firm. He is scheduled to meet with market leadership tomorrow, Thursday, January 29, to reiterate that shops must reopen by Monday, February 2, or face a month-long closure and eventual takeover by the state.