The Anambra State Police Command dispersed protesters at the Onitsha Head Bridge on Wednesday, after demonstrators blocked the road in response to the ongoing closure of the Onitsha Main Market.

Ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the one-week closure led to barricades on the bridge’s second day.

Protesters chanted phrases like “No way in, no way out!” while some passersby joined in.

The protest ended when the Joint Security Team arrived to restore order. Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that safety was maintained.

“The command also observed the pattern of individuals using social media platforms to incite violence, disrupt public peace, as well as the sharing of unverified videos regarding the security situation in the area.

“Onitsha remains calm, and every situation is under control as per the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.”

According to Ikenga, the Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations, the Joint Security Team, is currently being led by him. He also stated that security monitoring and patrols are ongoing in the area.

It would be recalled that Anambra State Government ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to open for business despite Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The shutdown, announced on Monday, comes amid growing concerns over the economic impact of recurring sit-at-home observances across the Southeast, with state authorities warning that continued disruptions could undermine revenue generation and budget implementation.

A media aide to the governor, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the sit-at-home practice as harmful to the state’s economy, saying, “The position of the state government is clear and unambiguous and that is the height of economic sabotage and if you look at the humongous economic loss during each Monday sit at home you will discover that it is a rip off on the economy of the state and that of the business community.”

Opara said the market would reopen after one week but warned of tougher measures if traders fail to comply in subsequent weeks.

In a separate statement, the governor’s Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, said the closure followed “defiance of the market leadership to open, against government directive,” adding that the move was intended to restore normal commercial activity.