Onitsha Market Resumption: Police Blame Tension on Social Media Propaganda Doubt About Resumption of Market Activities in Anambra State

By CHUKS Collins, Awka

Feb 1,2026

The Anambra Police Command has blamed the social media for spreading fears and doubt on the possibility of all markets in the state resuming normal operations Monday, Feb 2, 2026. Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Saturday, noting that the new media is solely responsible for what he described as "spreading the phantom fears."

"the Police Command has identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public.

"These misleading narratives are intended to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the State."

Ikenga admitted that it was consequent upon the scheduled markets resumption that "the Commissioner of Police holds an emergency closed-door meeting with Area Commanders and Tactical Commanders...

"However, the Command notes with confidence that Ndi Anambra have remained vigilant, discerning, and united, refusing to succumb to such divisive narratives. The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continues to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety.

The PPRO admitted that "it was in response to these developments today, 1st February 2026 that they convened an emergency closed-door security meeting with all Area Commanders and Tactical Commanders at the Police Headquaters Awka.

"The CP directed the immediate intensification of intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive policing operations to forestall any threat to lives and property."

The Command reassures the public that adequate security measures have been put in place and urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious.

While urging the public to disregard unverified social media content, the police called on the people to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation or through established emergency channels.

Investigations conducted by FreshNews around the Onitsha Main Market indicate that in spite of assurances by the state governor, there is heightened fear among traders and other stakeholders.

On Sunday, some traders who were seen hanging around the market. Those whose spoke with the medium on condition of anonymity noted that wholesale reliance on the order by the state government could spell doom. Pressed further on their reasons for doubting the governor's directive, one of the traders in the Niger Line said he had been a victim of such situation in the past.

The 72 years old business executive said that wise ones would simply stay away, instead of going to get maimed or killed. He expressed the fear that hoodlums might resort to setting the market ablaze or cause pandemonium in order to loot shops and goods generally.

He blamed Gov Soludo for putting the wrong foot forward on the issue by not meeting and discussing the plans he had with them in confidence first before announcing the closure.

Another trader Chief Eric Offorka admitted having been in the market long enough to seen more than eight military and civilian Governors. He moreso pointed out that the mark of a leader is his carriage, humility and having listening ears. But that it was unfortunate to say that he has not seen it in this matter.

Addressing the governor direct, the octogenarian sued for peace, calling for gradual return to normalcy. But the if it gets to the present dictatorial order, it would not likely yield complete cheering results.

He wondered what becomes of any casualty when the security operatives have been treating and shooting citizens as if their lives doesn't matter and because no such careless shooter had ever been brought to account. Or what happens when any part of the market was torched.

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has issued double directive that were contradictory of each order. In one of the orders, the group urged every stakeholders in the Onitsha Main Market to stay away in their personal interest.