In a press statement issued on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned the deployment of military and police personnel against the protesters.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has slammed the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for deploying security forces against traders and protesters in Onitsha who were demonstrating against the closure of the Onitsha Main Market.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned the deployment of military and police personnel against the protesters.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that there was palpable tension at the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday morning as Governor Soludo’s directive shutting down the market for one week took effect, following traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home.
Hundreds of security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to the sprawling commercial hub, barricading entrances and preventing traders from accessing their shops.
Video clips obtained by SaharaReporters showed heavily armed security operatives positioned at strategic points around the market, turning back traders who attempted to gain entry.
Angry traders were seen openly criticising the governor, accusing him of acting to please the Nigerian government and punishing innocent business owners.
IPOB claimed that live ammunition was fired at unarmed civilians exercising their right to protest.
According to IPOB, the action is a violation of fundamental human rights and democratic norms of the protesters.
The group claimed that such security operations often spark violence that is later attributed to IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
It insisted that it does not encourage or support violent actions.
According to Powerful, the alleged use of force against traders and protesters risks worsening insecurity in Anambra State rather than restoring order.
“In a blatant violation of human rights and democratic principles, these forces have opened live fire on peaceful demonstrators exercising their right to protest against the governor's draconian sit-at-home enforcement orders,” the statement read.
“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of how Nigerian authorities often initiate cycles of violence only to later falsely attribute them to IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).”
IPOB called on well-meaning Nigerians, human rights organisations, and the international community to caution Governor Soludo and urge security agencies to refrain from using lethal force against civilians.
It warned that the deployment of armed personnel to disperse protesters could further escalate tensions in the commercial city
IPOB accused the Anambra State Government of undermining peace in the South-East, alleging that the governor’s approach to enforcing policies has alienated residents and traders affected by the market closure.
IPOB maintained that dialogue, rather than force, remains the appropriate path to resolving grievances.
“Such provocative tactics not only endanger lives but also exacerbate the very insecurity they claim to combat,” IPOB said.
“Governor Soludo, by allowing himself to be manipulated as a tool in the hands of oppressors, has stained his hands with the blood of his own people.
“This is not governance; it is state-sponsored terrorism designed to undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Biafran people.
Reiterating its stance on self-determination, IPOB said it remains committed to a peaceful struggle and a negotiated settlement that would lead to a referendum.
The group also renewed its call for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whom it described as unjustly imprisoned.
IPOB urged protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite what it described as provocation, warning that continued aggression against civilians could attract broader national and international attention.
SaharaReporters had reported on Monday that Governor Soludo ordered the immediate closure of the iconic market for one week after an unscheduled visit revealed that most traders failed to open for business on Monday, January 26, 2026, in defiance of repeated government directives.
The sit-at-home practice, initially linked to separatist agitations and calls for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been officially abolished by the Anambra State Government as part of efforts to restore normalcy and revive economic activities.
During the visit, the governor reportedly expressed displeasure at what he described as “deliberate sabotage of the state’s economy” and warned that any market or business outlet that remains closed on Mondays would be sealed.
The state government has maintained that Mondays are now officially normal working days and that all commercial activities must resume without hindrance.
A senior government official said the closure of Onitsha Main Market was intended to send a strong signal.
“This is not about witch-hunting anybody. It is about enforcing the law and ensuring that our economy functions optimally,” the official said. “Anambra cannot continue to lose billions of naira every Monday.”
The government has also warned civil servants, schools and other institutions that non-compliance with Monday resumption directives could attract sanctions, including salary deductions and administrative penalties.
However, many traders at Onitsha Main Market fear the shutdown will worsen their already fragile economic situation.