By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State 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.
In a Press Statement from the stable of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga yesterday, he noted that it’s the social media that’s spreading the phantom fears.
According to the statement, “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. Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified social media content and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation or through established emergency channels. In attendance at the meeting were officers in Charge of various Joint security forces across the State, as well as the representative of the State government on security”, Ikenga added.
However, an on-the-spot assessment and investigation of true situation of things in the Onitsha Main Market area in the last few days show heightened fears by the traders, customers, residents and the general public over giving their all to the resumption order by Gov Chukwuma Soludo.
In an interview with some traders who were found hanging around the market this afternoon (Sunday, Feb 1, 2026) painted an uncertain picture.
They believed that wholesale reliance on the State Government order could spell doom.
When pressed further on their reasons for doubting the governor’s directive, a trader 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 maim or kill them; setting the market ablaze and causing pandemonium to create opportunities 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. One urged every stakeholders in the Onitsha Main Market to stay away in their personal interest.
A lot of side effects and consequences gave rise to the one week closure of the market by the state government. Those who come regularly from neighbouring countries, states and markets who shifted to new locations may not return.
Whatever the situation, Monday is just few hours away.
