Traders were yesterday chased out of the Damaturu Sunday Market where a female suicide bomber killed 20 people last week.
Most of the traders, who came from far, were stranded, as stern-looking soldiers blocked entrances to the market.
Our correspondent learnt that some traders, who earlier gained entry into the market, were chased out by security agents, who began the exercise about 8:30am.
The Chairman of the Traders Association in Yobe State, Usman Muazu, decried the action of the security agents.
He said an announcement ought to have been made at least 48 hours before the market day, to avoid the losses incurred by the traders.
He listed some of the markets billed for closing as: Kukareta, Damaturu, Ngelzarma, Nanawaji, Katarko, Mafa, Sasawa and Banbangida.
A military source said a decision was reached between the government and the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the closure of the markets.
The Office of the Secretary to Yobe State Government and the Office of the Director of Press to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam denied information to that regard.
The Director of Security, Yakubu Damagum, in a phone chat with our correspondent said he was not aware of any meeting with security operatives concerning the closure of the market.
Villagers resorted to selling their goods on the roads.