The incident, believed to be a warning to traders against resuming business as directed by Governor Charles Soludo, has triggered fear and confusion across the commercial hub.
Tensions ran high at Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State on Monday morning after reports emerged that suspected hoodlums had placed a coffin at the entrance of the market’s administrative building, known as the “White House,” on Sunday night.
The incident, believed to be a warning to traders against resuming business as directed by Governor Charles Soludo, has triggered fear and confusion across the commercial hub.
Sources told Vanguard that the coffin appeared mysteriously in front of the market’s administrative block overnight, with no one, including security personnel, able to explain how or when it was placed.
Traders have linked the act to ongoing threats aimed at resisting the government’s directive to reopen the market on Monday, February 2.
Some believe the coffin was a direct warning to the market’s leadership not to obey Soludo’s reopening order.
“This is exactly how the chairman of Mgbuka Amazu Market, Francis Enibe, was kidnapped over two years ago on a Monday. Till now, he’s yet to be found,” a trader said.
Amid the unfolding tension, unconfirmed reports suggest that the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has resigned his position, allegedly citing threats to his life over the reopening order.
While the report could not be independently confirmed, some traders claim the news has been trending on WhatsApp platforms used by market stakeholders.
“He doesn’t want to risk his life by enforcing the reopening. That’s why he allegedly stepped down,” a source within the market disclosed.
As of Monday morning, the usually bustling market area remained deserted, with no vehicular or human activity recorded around the premises.
Many traders, including those who spoke anonymously, said they had instructed their apprentices not to report to the market, citing fears of possible attacks.
“I told my boys not to step out today. I don’t want to be explaining anything to their parents,” a trader said.
Reacting to the situation, another trader, Okechukwu Okafor, insisted that Governor Soludo must personally address traders in Onitsha before the market can safely reopen.
“It’s not just about sitting in Awka, surrounded by soldiers and police, and giving orders.
“He should come down here, like he did last week when he came to shut down the market. He should come and do the official reopening too, so people can feel safe to return,” Okafor said.