The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised the heavy deployment of security operatives at the Onitsha Main Market, describing the action as excessive and unjustified.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful accused Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of deploying military and police personnel against traders and protesters, likening the situation to a war-like operation. He alleged that the security presence violated human rights and claimed that live ammunition was fired at demonstrators protesting against the state’s enforcement of sit-at-home directives.
IPOB called on civil society groups and the international community to intervene, urging security agencies to refrain from using force against civilians. The group also reiterated its demand for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of grievances, including its long-standing call for a referendum on self-determination.
The development follows the Anambra State Government’s decision to shut the Onitsha Main Market for one week. Governor Soludo ordered the closure on Monday during an on-site visit, citing traders’ failure to comply with the directive to ignore Monday sit-at-home orders.
The governor warned that the closure could be extended if compliance does not improve and said security agencies had sealed the market to enforce the order. The state government described the action as part of efforts to restore economic activity and maintain order in the commercial hub.
The situation has continued to draw reactions from stakeholders, as tensions persist over enforcement measures and their impact on traders and residents.
Keywords: IPOB, Onitsha Main Market, Anambra, Soludo, sit-at-home, security deployment
