Onitsha Main Market Partially Demolished — Traders Lose Livelihoods as Soludo Defies Court Order

Governor Soludo's administration began demolishing illegal structures at Onitsha Main Market on 1 March 2026, defying a High Court order maintaining the status quo until 16 March. Security operatives including military and NSCDC barricaded market access roads from midnight, catching many traders off-guard. The demolition targeted structures on Johnson Street and the Gwongworo section, affecting Marine Market, Biafra Market, Kano Street Market and several adjoining markets that rely on the Main Market for daily trade. The Igbo Community Association Abuja and private sector groups called for immediate reopening and resettlement of affected traders. The Onitsha Main Market is one of the largest wholesale commodity hubs in West Africa, handling rice, garri, tomatoes, palm oil and building materials from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.