According to the IPOB group, the closure of Onitsha Main Market by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, along with his reported threat to shut additional markets, forms part of the alleged scheme. IPOB claimed the actions are aimed at disrupting the relative calm recently restored in the South-East and provoking renewed instability in the region. Armoured tanks and heavily armed security agents were deployed at the market on Tuesday to enforce the shutdown. Condemning the development, IPOB expressed suspicion at the timing of the actions of the Anambra State governor. We must not allow Soludo to replicate Imo State in Anambra State,” the statement further warned.