Traders and residents in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday blocked the Onitsha Head Bridge to protest the closure of the Onitsha Main Market ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The protest took place in the afternoon and disrupted movement between Anambra and Delta states, as the bridge is a key link between Onitsha and Asaba.
Videos shared online showed a large crowd blocking access points to the bridge, making it impossible for vehicles to pass. Some protesters stood their ground for hours, while others scattered as tension rose during the demonstration. The action caused delays for commuters and traders who rely on the route for daily activities.
The protest followed the governor’s directive on Monday to shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week. The closure affected thousands of traders who depend on the market for their livelihood. By Tuesday, traders had already taken to the streets in different parts of the city to express their displeasure, carrying placards and singing solidarity songs.
During the protests, some traders also displayed support for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and voiced opposition to the continued sit-at-home practice on Mondays in the state. The growing demonstrations led to the complete blockage of the bridge on Wednesday, further escalating the situation.
As of the time of reporting, movement in and out of Anambra through the Onitsha Head Bridge remained affected, with security agencies monitoring the situation while residents awaited further updates from the state government.
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