Thousands of traders in Anambra State early Saturday shut down all markets in the state in protest to protest the planned relocation of Boko Haram suspects to the prison in the state.

Onitsha, Awka and Ekwulobia markets are expected to oin in the protest by the traders under the aegis of Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra (AMATAS).

The traders' association will carry out the peaceful protest in collaboration with Campaign for Democracy.

When contacted, the state publicity secretary of AMATAS, Chief Dede Uzor A. Uzor, confirmed the planned early morning protest that would hold till evening, saying no market would open in Anmabra State today.

Uzo said the planned relocation of Boko Haram suspects to Anambra State would pose security threat to the state.

However, most traders expressed mixed feelings over the development.