The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Council boss reaffirms peace deal with counterpart

    Council boss reaffirms peace deal with counterpart

    The Chairman of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Utibe Nwoko, has pledged to consolidate on the inter-community harmony and cordial relations with Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He said Ika Council under his watch would sustain dialogue, peaceful coexistence and collaborative development with other neighbouring local governments areas, especially in Abia State.

    Nwoko said this while delivering remarks at a peace meeting between his people and residents of Ukwa East Council in Abia State.

    Describing the meeting as epochal, the council chairman said the engagement had continued to yield social and political benefits by providing a consistent platform for dialogue and peace-building.

    He said the gathering marked the beginning of a renewed phase in relationship between the people of Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government and their neighbours from Ukwa East and adjoining communities in Abia State.

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    Nwoko recalled that a similar peace meeting held on March 17, 2025, produced resolutions that had sustained peace between the communities up to the current time.

    He expressed gratitude to the governors and deputy governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia states for approving and supporting the continued convening of the peace meetings, and described their interventions as a demonstration of commitment to peace-building and inter-state cooperation.

    The council boss said Ikot Udo village in Ika Local Government shared a boundary with Abiaka village in Ibeme, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He recalled that resolutions reached at the 2025 meeting was that both states would begin road construction from their natural boundaries, with Obingwa communities building towards their boundary, while Ika communities would undertake construction from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang, covering a distance of about 3.7 kilometres.

    Nwoko said there was no genuine boundary dispute between the communities, stressing that no party was laying claim to land, houses, forests, cultural artefacts or economic trees.

    ‘’Rather, the core issue centres on identity, with Akirika Obu people seeking recognition as indigenes of Abia State, while Ikot Udo people maintain their identity as indigenes of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    He said identity-related differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or disrupt development efforts, particularly the ongoing road building project intended to benefit the affected communities.

    According to him, disagreements over identity should never punctuate peace or truncate infrastructure projects designed to improve livelihoods and connectivity.

     Nwoko clarified that Ika Local Government did not have any boundary dispute with Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, noting that while Akirika Obu people claimed customary tenancy under Obingwa Local Government and traced their ancestral roots to Ukwa East near Port Harcourt in Rivers State, such narratives should not undermine peaceful coexistence or inter-community cooperation.

    Appealing for continuity of the road project, the council chairman urged Abia State Government to continue construction from Ntinwouzo through Obete Ibeme to Abiaka Ibeme, the last village in Obingwa Local Government, while Akwa Ibom State Government should complete its section from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang in Ika Council

    He said completion of the road would further promote harmonious relations between Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and Obingwa Council of Abia State, while strengthening ties with Ukwa East indigenes living in the area.

    Nwoko appealed for adequate security for contractors handling the project, to ensure uninterrupted work and timely completion, reiterating that the people of Ika, Akwa Ibom State and Abia State were peace-loving and committed to unity and development.

    He appreciated the sacrifices, goodwill and interventions of leaders from states, praying for peace in their homes and administrations, and expressing confidence that the meeting would yield fruitful outcomes.

    In their remarks, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, and her Abia State counterpart, Ikechukwu Emetu, an engineer, pleaded with the people of Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area and Ukwa East Council in Abia State to embrace peace for lasting development.

    They urged youths from the two communities to get involved in productive ventures, to improve their families, rather than engage in senseless feud, so as to encourage governments of the two states to do more for them.

    The peace parley was attended by stakeholders from the two states.

  • Police thwart robbery, nab mob for assaulting suspect

    Police thwart robbery, nab mob for assaulting suspect

    • From Godwin Otang, Calabar

    Cross River State Police Command, through the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber, who allegedly attempted to rob a woman in Calabar, The Nation has learnt.

    Police sources said the operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday.

    Sources said the police intervened and prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber, who was allegedly attempting to rob a woman in Calabar.

    The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The suspect, prior to the arrival of the police, was beaten unconscious by a mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar. He was taken to University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.

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    The victim, whose personal information is yet to be verified, was pronounced dead at the hospital on Sunday morning.

    Three suspects are in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues.

    Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid Afegbua,  described the operation as, “a clear demonstration of the command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives and adherence to the rule of law.”

    The police boss reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for crime. The CP condemned mob action and emphasised that suspects apprehended by individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution, in accordance with the law.

    He appealed to the public to cooperate with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their hands.

    The command through its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, assured the people of Cross River State of its resolve to ensure safety and security throughout the state.

  • Protest trail monarch’s election in Anambra community

    Protest trail monarch’s election in Anambra community

    From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    Protests have greeted the election of the traditional ruler of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chibuzor Okekeife, on January 12, 2026.

    While one group rejected the election, describing it as unconstitutional with the exclusion of women, the pro-monarch protesters insisted that the election must stand, having been approved by the government.

    On Monday, the anti-monarch group, predominantly women, stormed the Government House in Awka, calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s intervention to forestall breakdown of law and order.

    The people also protested women exclusion from the election and use of secret ballot voting, ‘’which contravenes our town’s constitution.’’

    They called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene, to forestall breakdown of law and order.

    The protesters, predominantly women, bore placards with inscriptions such as: “The stool of Ezediohamma Ndiowu is not for sale”, “Respect our right to choose”, ‘’We say no to imposed election”, “Women must vote”, “Soludo Solution come and help us in our Eze Stool”, among others.

    Speaking to reporters, Chairman, Ndiowu Four Traditional Quarters, Chief Uchenna Iloh, sought transparent and credible poll, saying the candidacy must come from Ufere village, as stipulated by the 2024 constitution of the community.

    He said the community would not accept emergence of a United States of America-based businessman, ‘’who is from Umudiabor kindred.’’

    Read Also: Anambra plans pro-rata pay to curb Monday sit-at-home

    Iloh said: “We’re here to protest injustice done to us, including discrimination against women in the community by the commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the local government chairman.

    “We’re peace loving people and don’t want violence. We want women to have the right to vote, as they have always voted.

    “The commissioner insisted the election be conducted on January 12, as against the Easter period we chose, to enable more people participate in the exercise.

    “They went ahead to conduct the election on a church premises, instead of the town hall and without the women. The next thing we heard was that a new Igwe had emerged.

    “This is why we’re here to plead for governor’s intervention. We want the election conducted according to our constitution.”

    Responding on behalf of the governor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, hailed the protesters for their peaceful and orderly conduct, assuring them that their grievances would be attended to.

    He said: “I implore you to ensure there is no breakdown of order in the community. The problem will definitely be resolved and Ndiowu will continue to exist.”

    But in a sharp reaction, Chairman, Elders Council of Ndiowu Town and Leader, Ndiowu Progressives, Christian Nnabuihe, who spoke on behalf of the pro-monarch group, described Monday’s protesters as terribly misinformed, misadvised and misguided.

    He also described the constitution they paraded as fake, insisting that the 1990 constitution approved by government and Aguata High Court remained the authentic document guiding the community.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, Nnabuihe said the constitution not only declared that certain persons should no longer take part in election due to their dirty conduct, but was also clear about women participation in such election.

    He said: “We’re here to appreciate the governor for restoring peace to our town and creating a conducive atmosphere for the conduct of free, fair credible election that produced our monarch.

    “Ndiowu 1990 constitution is clear about all the issues those who came yesterday raised. I stand to be corrected, there’s no community in Anambra State where women are permitted to take part in selection of a traditional ruler.

    “Apart from the monarch being the custodian of people’s culture, it’s an abomination to involve women in an election that produces a traditional ruler. It has never happened anywhere.

    “Those people who were here yesterday (Monday) were terribly misinformed, misadvised and misguided. And the constitution they paraded was fake.

    “A lot of them are regretting their journey yesterday. Their presence was nullity as far as majority of Ndiowu is concerned.’’

    Also speaking, Woman President General of the town, Oby Okoli, said: “As women, we desire peace and progress for us, our children and children’s children in Ndiowu.’’

    Responding separately to both protesters, Secretary to State government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dr Nwabufor Nwankwo, commended them for their peaceful and orderly conduct.

    They assured speedy response to the issues raised.

  • Emoh leads Offor Global Network on visit to Onitsha Correctional Centre

    Emoh leads Offor Global Network on visit to Onitsha Correctional Centre

    Offor Global Network, led by its Principal, Dr. Stan Chinedu Emoh, on 28 December 2025, paid a humanitarian visit to the Onitsha Medium Security Correctional Centre, formerly known as Onitsha Prison, as part of efforts to identify and support Nsugbe indigenes in custody.

    The visit focused on inmates who are convicted, those awaiting trial, and those who have been granted bail but remain incarcerated due to financial constraints affecting their ability to meet bail conditions and pursue their court cases.

    The Onitsha Medium Correctional Centre, established in 1916, houses 778 inmates, comprising 10 inmates on death row, 147 convicted inmates, and 619 inmates awaiting trial. 

    The facility operates rehabilitation programmes that expose inmates, both male and female, to formal education, vocational training, and other reformation activities aimed at preparing them for reintegration into society.

    The Offor Global Network delegates was received by the Controller of the facility, Mr. Ike Anselem, who welcomed the team and guided them through the centre. 

    The delegates interacted with inmates, particularly those from Nsugbe, giving them counsel and assurances of legal followup, especially for inmates whose continued detention is linked to financial hardship.

    Eight Nsugbe indigenes are in custody at the facility for various offences, including two murder-related cases, three cases of stealing and three cases of obtaining by trick (OBT). Offor Global Network indicated plans to initiate legal engagement and appeals in appropriate cases.

    Offor Global Network donated relief materials to inmates. Items donated include bags of rice, slippers, tissues, tomatoes, groundnut oil, and cash, aimed at easing conditions within the facility and supporting inmates during this festive period.

    This outreach is part of Offor Global Network annual humanitarian and social intervention initiatives, with emphasis on justice advocacy and Societal rehabilitation.

  • Ebonyi school gets chairs, others

    Ebonyi school gets chairs, others

    A senior police officer and a public relations expert, Nwode Nkeiruka, has donated chairs, sandals, bags and other educational materials to a public primary school in Ishimkpuma Ndiezi Okpoto community, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The donation by Nkeiruka, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), is said to have brought relief and hope to pupils, teachers and the host community.

    The donation, which included 51 classroom chairs, 98 pairs of school sandals, 40 school bags and other learning materials, was described by community members as a long-awaited intervention that had improved the learning environment of the school.

    The items were distributed across classrooms, with eight chairs allocated to each class.

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    Speaking on the gesture, Nkeiruka said the initiative was part of her commitment to giving back to the society and supporting the education of children, especially in underserved communities.

    She said: “I saw the pictures of the pupils learning while seated on the bare floor, still hopeful.

    “So a few days ago, I decided to make a small change in the school not because chairs, the school bags and shoes I got for them would solve everything, but because every child deserves comfort, dignity and the chance to learn without unnecessary hardship.

    “May this be a reminder that sometimes, kindness begins with noticing. And impact doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.”

    Nkeiruka noted that while the donation might appear small, access to basic learning materials played a critical role in shaping the future of children

    “It may seem small, but access to basic learning needs makes a real difference in the lives of our children. I am grateful to the school for allowing me to contribute in this small but meaningful way,” she said.

    She acknowledged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for what she described as the opportunity and institutional support to serve communities beyond her official duties.

    She reaffirmed Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to community partnership, describing the police as friends of the people.

    The donation attracted commendation from community leaders, teachers and parents, who expressed deep appreciation for the intervention after years of unsuccessful appeals for government assistance.

    Many described the visit as historic, noting it restored dignity and confidence to the pupils and created a more conducive learning environment.

    In a goodwill message, Nteoma Chimaobi, who witnessed the presentation, praised CSP Nkeiruka’s compassion and humanitarian efforts, describing her as a woman whose actions speak louder than words.

    He said the joy and excitement displayed by the pupils and teachers reflected the impact of the gesture on the community.

    “For years, the community sought help to improve the school, but their cries were met with silence. Today, hope has returned, and joy fills the hearts of the people,” he said.

  • Lawmaker gets kudos

    Lawmaker gets kudos

    For many Nigerians, empowerment programmes have become synonymous with empty promises and political favouritism.

    But for Mr. Eloho Idoro of Emevor, Delta State, a recent intervention facilitated by Jonathan Ukodhiko, the member representing Isoko North/South Federal Constituency, has rewritten that familiar story.

    In a deeply personal testimony shared via Facebook, Idoro recounted how scepticism initially clouded his perception of the business expansion empowerment scheme carried out last year by the federal lawmaker. Like many citizens who have watched similar initiatives come and go, he assumed the programme would ultimately benefit only a privileged few with political connections.

    “I honestly did not believe it would be different,” Idoro admitted. “I thought it was another programme that would end on paper or be shared among party loyalists.”

    Yet, driven by a mix of curiosity and quiet hope, he said he reluctantly prepared a business plan and submitted it for consideration. What followed, according to him, was a process that surprised and impressed him.

    Idoro said his application was shortlisted strictly on merit, without influence or backdoor arrangement. He was subsequently invited for a physical interview, where he defended his proposal before a selection panel — a step he described as rare in grassroots empowerment initiatives.

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    “For the first time, I felt like my idea mattered more than who I knew,” he wrote.

    The beneficiary described the interview process as transparent, professional and fair, noting that applicants were assessed based on the viability of their businesses and their capacity for growth. When he was eventually selected, Idoro said the experience restored his confidence in public service and governance.

    Beyond the financial support, Idoro said the programme sent a powerful message to ordinary citizens — that integrity, hard work and preparation could still open doors.

    He lauded Ukodhiko for what he termed a “people-centred approach” to leadership, noting that the lawmaker’s empowerment model demonstrated that public office could still be used as a platform for genuine development, rather than political patronage.

    “At a time when many have lost faith in leadership, this programme reminded me that hope is not completely lost,” Idoro said.

    His testimony has since sparked conversations online, with many residents of the constituency hailing the lawmaker’s transparent process and calling for similar initiatives across the state and country.

    For Idoro and others like him, the empowerment scheme was more than an intervention — it was a proof that responsive leadership, when practised with sincerity, can still touch lives and restore belief in governance.

    “To the glory of God, I emerged as one of the 18 beneficiaries of the N500,000 empowerment grant, without any form of political influence,” he said.

    Idoro noted that the experience fundamentally changed his perception of governance and leadership, stressing that the process demonstrated that integrity and fairness were still possible in public office.

    “That singular act made me understand that there is still hope for the common man in the corridors of power,” he wrote.

    He described Ukodhiko as a leader who listens to the cries of his people and responds decisively without compromise, commending the lawmaker and his foundation for prioritising genuine empowerment over patronage.

    Expressing his gratitude, Idoro pledged continued support for Ukodhiko’s principles, programmes and vision for the Isoko nation, affirming confidence in his leadership and endorsing his aspiration for re-election in 2027.

    Since assuming office, the lawmaker has been widely acknowledged for initiating empowerment schemes, interventions and constituency projects aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities across Isoko North and South.

  • Traders storm streets over Onitsha market closure

    Traders storm streets over Onitsha market closure

    • Security operatives deployed in city
    • From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    Protesters, mainly traders, yesterday stormed the streets of Onitsha, Anambra State, chanting war songs over the shutdown of Onitsha Main Market by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, over illegal sit-at-home.

    The governor had warned that if the traders failed to end the trend, he would shut down the market for another one month.

    As a result, the state police command has deployed no fewer than 300 armed men to forestall breakdown of law and order in the commercial city.

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    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had insisted that traders would resume trading on Tuesday (yesterday), saying the governor had no right to shut down the market.

    IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, in a statement warned that there would be clash if Governor Soludo attempted to stop the traders.

    He challenged the governor to go for the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, if he was desperate to see the traders resume Monday trading.

    The protesters occupied most of the streets leading to Onitsha Main Market, singing songs.

    The women, youths and the aged, especially, those sympathetic to the IPOB leader, joined in the protest.

    Reacting yesterday over the deployment of legion of security operatives in the market, the police command said they were working in liaison with the governor’s directives.

    Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said adequate security had been deployed in and around the market, as well as other strategic locations within Onitsha, by the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, to maintain law and order and prevent breach of public peace.

  • ‘Workers to forfeit pay over absenteeism’

    ‘Workers to forfeit pay over absenteeism’

    • From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    Anambra State Government has announced that salaries of civil servants will henceforth be paid on a pro-rata basis, depending on attendance.

    Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, who disclosed this to reporters, said the decision, reached during end-of-tenure retreat of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), would take effect next month.

    He said the council had frowned at persistent absenteeism of public and civil servants on Mondays across the state, saying it had resolved to end the “anomaly.”

    Mefor said the retreat reviewed the activities of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the past four years and outlined priorities for the new tenure scheduled to begin on March 17.

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    He said: “The retreat observed that for the past four years, many Anambra public and civil servants have consistently failed to report for work on Mondays, citing insecurity and lack of transportation as reasons for their absence.

    “The retreat acknowledged that while these concerns may have existed in the past, they no longer apply, making continued absenteeism unjustifiable.

    “Workers are simply enjoying the sit-at-home because they know whether they come to work or not, salaries will still be paid.

    “Ordinarily, this should be treated as a clear case of absenteeism, which under the civil service rules can attract sanctions, including dismissal.

    “But the government has decided not to go that route. Instead, the government will begin paying salaries on a pro-rata basis. If you don’t want to lose your pay for Monday, then you must come to office.

    “The mechanism is already in place. Attendance forms are being designed to enable workers clock in on Monday mornings and clock out at the close of work.”

    The commissioner said continued absence of civil servants on Mondays had a significant negative impact on government productivity and the state’s economy.

    “Any day civil servants fail to come to work, government business stagnates, and by implication, the state’s economy stagnates.

    “Revenue that should accrue to the government is lost, and there is no assurance that such losses can be recovered,” he said.

    Citing the state Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as examples, the commissioner says when such offices are shut on Mondays, the state loses substantial revenue and critical projects are delayed.

    Mefor said the pro-rata payment policy was aimed at ensuring fairness, efficiency and sustainability in public spending.

    “We cannot say we should abandon Mondays and adopt Saturdays as working days. This will mean Anambra State has surrendered to whoever imposed the sit-at-home.

    “It will also make us the only state in Nigeria working on Saturdays, which will be absurd. Government cannot continue to urge markets and the informal sector to open on Mondays, while its own workforce remains absent.

    “It’s only reasonable to start with pro-rata payment as a way of compelling workers to resume on Mondays,” he said.

    The commissioner said the government was engaging market leaders to encourage traders to reopen their shops on Mondays.

    “Security is also being strengthened across the state to boost traders’ confidence and ensure they can conduct their legitimate businesses without fear,” he said.

    On how the pro-rata salary system would be calculated, Mefor explained that monthly salaries would be divided by the 24 official working days in a month to determine the daily wage of each worker, which would then be applied accordingly.

    “The decision has to be taken. Four years is enough. According to an international firm, the economic losses resulting from the sit-at-home run into trillions of naira.

    “It is a firm decision of the government, and implementation has already begun,” he said.

  • Imo agency launches grassroots drive

    Imo agency launches grassroots drive

    Imo State Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) has launched a grassroots mobilisation drive to promote government policies and programmes, with the inauguration of local government area coordinators.

    Addressing a news conference in Owerri, RHA Coordinator in the state, and former House of Representatives member, Goodluck Opiah, said the coordinators would engage community leaders, youth groups, women associations, market unions and professional bodies to organise town hall meetings and support party activities.

    “Our task is simple but vital: communicate government policies, defend reform programmes, mobilise support for development initiatives, and ensure the voices of the people are heard,” Opiah said.

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    He urged the coordinators to see their role as a call to service, engaging respectfully with citizens and promoting unity across party lines.

    “Politics and governance are ultimately local,” Opiah said. “Development must be felt in villages, wards and polling units, not just capital cities.”

    He said Renewed Hope Ambassadors was not an opposition to any structure within the APC. “We are partners in progress. We complement the party’s mobilisation efforts and work within the broader framework of party unity, discipline and loyalty to leadership.”

    Opiah advised the newly inaugurated coordinators to see this assignment as a call to service. “You must be accessible to your people. You must listen to their concerns. You must engage respectfully, even with those who disagree with us politically. Democracy thrives on persuasion, not intimidation.

    “We must also guard against complacency. Elections are not won by past victories. They are won by continuous engagement, performance-based campaigns and consistent presence among the people. Our political opponents are active, and we must be more active, more organised and more responsive.”

    He noted that Imo recorded significant progress under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma in restoring peace and confidence.

    “Under the leadership of Governor Uzodimma, significant progress has been made in restoring peace and confidence. It is important to note that we celebrated a peaceful Christmas and New Year in all the communities in Imo State.

     “Imo people from far and near travelled to their communities and celebrated with kith and kin. We must support security agencies with information, encourage lawful conduct and promote unity across party and ethnic lines.”

    He urged the media to continue to hold leaders accountable, and also to report facts accurately and responsibly.

    “Democracy functions best when citizens are well informed and when public debate is based on truth, not speculation.”

    He reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “whose courage and reform-driven leadership are repositioning Nigeria for long-term growth, and to Governor Uzodimma, whose development-focused governance continues to transform Imo State.”

  • Anambra safe for business, says commissioner

    Anambra safe for business, says commissioner

    Anambra State Government has said the state is safe for business, insisting that there is no longer any fear associated with the sit-at-home order observed on Mondays.

    Information Commissioner Law Mefoh said this yesterday during an interview on a national television programme, following the decision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to shut down Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to open their shops on Monday.

    Mefoh said adequate security measures had been put in place across the state, stressing that the sit-at-home order was no longer a threat to commercial activities. “Anambra is safe for business. The fear factor is no longer there. Maybe in the past when this sit-at-home started, but now it is no longer an issue,” he said.

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    He added that there was no justification for the continued closure of markets, particularly Onitsha Main Market, which he described as arguably the largest market in West Africa.

    According to him, the persistent shutdown of markets is negatively impacting on the state’s economy.

    Commenting on the governor’s action, the commissioner said the state government had the responsibility to ensure the smooth running of Anambra’s socio-economic activities.

    He noted that while fear initially forced traders and workers to stay indoors on Mondays, the situation had since changed.

    “Over time, traders converted Monday into an extension of the weekend, and this is seriously affecting the socio-economic life of the state,” Mefoh said, adding that Anambra reportedly lost an average of N8 billion every Monday markets remained closed.