A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday at the bustling Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, where operatives of the Ocha Brigade — the state’s environmental enforcement task force — allegedly opened fire during a clash with traders, leaving one person dead and six others injured.
Eyewitnesses said the altercation between the task force officials and traders quickly escalated into violence, culminating in the use of live ammunition. The shooting caused panic as traders and customers fled in different directions for safety.
Confirming the incident, Anambra State Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said tactical teams were swiftly deployed to restore calm.
“The operatives swiftly addressed and calmed the traders, restoring order and dispersing them back to their shops and lawful businesses,” Ikenga stated.
He disclosed that seven persons sustained gunshot wounds, identifying some of the victims as Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, and Chinwe Igwe (22), while two others remain unidentified.
Tragically, Igwe later succumbed to her injuries. “Her body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while the others are responding positively to treatment,” Ikenga added.
Soludo Reacts
In a swift response, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, announced that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the task force operatives involved.
“An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences,” Mefor said.
The police confirmed that the leadership of the Ocha Brigade has been summoned to help identify the officers behind the shooting.
