Tension gripped Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday after operatives of the Anambra State task force, popularly known as the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, opened fire near the Emeka Offor Plaza, leaving at least one person dead and others seriously injured.
Eyewitnesses recounted that chaos broke out when the operatives attempted to enforce compliance, but the situation quickly escalated, resulting in sporadic gunshots that sent traders and buyers fleeing for safety. The incident claimed the life of Miss Chinwe Igwe, who was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while other victims are currently receiving medical attention.
Reacting swiftly to the tragic development, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the immediate arrest of the operatives involved and directed that they be handed over to the police for prosecution. The Governor also instructed that the medical bills of the injured be fully covered by the state government.
The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, who conveyed the Governor’s directive, described the incident as disturbing and unnecessary. He assured that an investigation has already commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the shooting and to ensure accountability.
“The Anambra State Government is aware of the disturbance that occurred at the market. We appreciate the swift intervention of the Police, who have restored calm and order to the area. An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Mefor stated.
He further disclosed that the deceased’s body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation, while the injured victims are said to be responding positively to treatment.
Meanwhile, heavy police presence has been maintained around Onitsha Main Market to forestall further breakdown of law and order. Residents and traders, still shaken by the incident, have called on the government to reform the OCHA Brigade, which has in recent times faced criticisms over alleged excesses and high-handedness in the discharge of its duties.
The OCHA Brigade, a special enforcement unit established to maintain environmental and sanitation regulations in Anambra State, has been accused in the past of overstepping its mandate. Governor Soludo’s latest order signals a warning to operatives that recklessness and impunity will not be tolerated under his administration.
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