The Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has reportedly resigned from his position amid rising security concerns within the market community.
His resignation comes just days after he publicly supported Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to shut down the market for one week in a move aimed at enforcing compliance with the state’s directive against the Monday sit-at-home order. Okpalaugo had described the action as a wise decision intended to restore the market’s commercial stability.
Fresh tension reportedly emerged after a coffin was allegedly discovered overnight at the market’s administrative headquarters shortly after traders were directed to resume business activities.
Many traders interpreted the development as a threat intended to discourage reopening efforts and warn market leadership against enforcing government directives.
Some traders also recalled past incidents in which market leaders were targeted during conflicts linked to sit-at-home enforcement, further heightening fears within the trading community.
Market authorities and security agencies are yet to officially comment on the reported resignation or the alleged threat as of the time of filing this report.