A shop owner at Onitsha Main Market, Gibson Okafor, has described the government’s closure of the market as “putting fire to fire,” warning that it could drive customers away permanently.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State ordered the shutdown of Onitsha Main Market on Monday, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from traders and civil society.
Abuja-based human rights lawyer Maxwell Opara condemned the action, insisting the governor could face legal action over the closure.
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Okafor, speaking on a televised interview monitored by Pinnacle Daily on Wednesday, said, “For him (Soludo) to shut down the market entirely, he’s just putting fire to fire. Because for one week, if our customers don’t find us in our shops, they will find another route to buy goods.”
The shop owner stressed that prolonged closures risk diverting regular customers and undermining traders’ livelihoods, intensifying economic disruptions rather than resolving issues.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
