PRESS STATEMENT
ONITSHA MARKET SHUTDOWN: CEHRAWS URGES RIGHTS-BASED SECURITY RESPONSE, WARNS AGAINST COLLECTIVE ECONOMIC PUNISHMENT
Aba, Abia State | January 26, 2026
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has carefully reviewed reports of the Anambra State Government’s directive ordering the closure of Onitsha Main Market over traders’ continued observance of Monday sit-at-home.
While we fully support decisive government action against criminal elements enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders, we strongly caution against collective economic punishment of innocent traders whose compliance is largely driven by fear, not defiance.
It is now a public fact that many traders and commuters stay indoors on Mondays due to legitimate security concerns, arising from past violent attacks, arson, and killings. In such circumstances, punitive market closures risk deepening poverty, worsening hardship, and undermining constitutional guarantees of livelihood, dignity, and economic participation.
CEHRAWS therefore urges the Anambra State Government to prioritise security confidence over economic coercion, through:
✓ Sustained joint security patrols across markets and transport routes,
✓ Intelligence-driven operations against violent enforcers, and
✓ Structured engagement with market unions and community leaders.
Markets function where people feel safe, not threatened.
Ending the sit-at-home crisis requires security assurance, not administrative force.
We call for a balanced, rights-respecting, and people-centred approach that protects lives, restores confidence, and safeguards livelihoods.
Signed:
Okoye, Chuka Peter
Executive Director
cehraws@gmail.com | +234(0)808-035-1242.
Facebook: @cehraws
