Tension gripped the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State on Tuesday following a clash between traders and security operatives enforcing the closure of the market.
The confrontation occurred hours after security personnel were deployed to the commercial hub to ensure compliance with the state government’s directive shutting the market.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo had on Monday ordered the closure after expressing concern over the continued observance of sit-at-home despite what he described as improved security conditions in the state.
The governor had questioned why traders kept their shops shut even with relative peace restored across Anambra.
On Tuesday morning, armoured vehicles and heavily armed police officers were stationed around the market to enforce the closure order.
However, traders later trooped to the market, attempting to access their shops in defiance of the directive.
The development triggered a confrontation with security operatives, which escalated into chaos within the market area.
Videos circulating on social media showed traders fleeing for safety as gunshots rang out, forcing many to abandon the area.
Watch video here