Traders in major markets across Aba, the commercial centre of Abia State, have continued to keep their shops closed amid ongoing protests calling for the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
This came one week after traders in Onitsha resumed business following the lifting of a one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
A tour of major markets in Aba on Monday showed that shop owners were largely absent. Markets affected include Ariaria, Ahịa Ọhụrụ, popularly known as Ngwa Road Market, Cemetery Market and Ekeoha Shopping Centre.
At Ariaria, the gate leading to the popular A-Line was open, but several other sections remained locked. A few traders operating along the main Faulks Road axis said they were not harassed, but reported low patronage.
Commercial banks around Ariaria International Market were closed.
At Ekeoha, Cemetery and Ngwa Road markets, gates were also shut. Some traders who visited their shops reportedly sought permission from security personnel before accessing their premises, after which they joined others to display goods along the roadside.
Street traders recorded brisker activity as the few available buyers relied on them for essential purchases, unlike on a typical business day.
Some traders, who spoke anonymously, said their decision to open or close their shops was personal and should not attract coercion.
Transport activities within and outside the city continued without reports of intimidation or harassment.
A video circulating online showed a group claiming loyalty to an IPOB faction announcing that the Monday sit-at-home had been cancelled.
The group, however, said residents of the Southeast and other areas it described as Biafra territory could decide individually whether to observe it, adding that no person or group had been authorised to enforce the order.
Banks, schools and other public and government establishments in Aba were open for business.
Police officers who usually control traffic at major junctions, including Okigwe Road, Park Road by Asa/Milverton Junction, Brass Junction, Faulks Road by Okigwe Road, MCC Junction and Ariaria Junction, were not seen at their duty posts at the time of the report.
Officials in the Abia State Government were said to be studying the situation with a view to adopting measures that would encourage traders to return to their shops on Mondays.
