Markets in Anambra, the famed commercial state in Nigeria’s South-East, have been shut over fear of invasion by Boko Haram terrorists.

After the Sanitation Day traditionally held across the state from 7 – 10am every last Saturday of the month, traders went to the markets to open for business, only to be barred from gaining entry, with the gates securely locked.

“We were told by market leaders that the closure is due to security reports indicating that Boko Haram elements may have sneaked into the state with a view to unleashing attacks on unsuspecting citizens,” a major trader in the commercial hub, Onitsha, told News Express. “Market leaders have informed us that the markets will remain cshut until Monday so as to monitor the situation,” the source added.

News Express reports that Boko Haram activities have been restricted to the Muslim-dominated North of Nigeria but with no guarantee that the Islamists will not attempt to export their terrorist acts to the largely Christian South.

•Photo shows Boko Haram terrorists.