A shop owner at the Onitsha Main Market, Gibson Okafor, has criticised the decision to shut down the market, saying it will only make things worse. He described the move as “putting fire to fire,” warning that it could deepen the economic hardship already faced by traders and customers.

Okafor spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, reacting to the directive by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to close the popular commercial hub. The market closure, announced on Monday, has continued to generate debate among traders, residents and legal experts across the state.

According to the trader, shutting the market even for a short period could have long-term effects on businesses. He explained that if customers come to Onitsha and meet closed shops for a week, many of them may find alternative markets and never return, leading to losses for traders who depend on daily sales to survive.

The decision has also drawn criticism from civil society actors. Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has faulted the governor’s action and insisted that it should be challenged in court. As reactions continue, traders are calling on the government to explore safer alternatives that protect both security and livelihoods.