Panic erupted at the busy Emeka Offor Plaza axis of Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, on Tuesday after operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade (OCHA Brigade) allegedly opened fire, killing at least four people, including a pregnant woman.
Eyewitnesses said the operatives stormed the market in an attempt to disperse traders displaying their wares along the road, which led to a confrontation. In the ensuing chaos, the task force reportedly fired shots, sending traders and passers-by running for safety.
One trader, who identified herself simply as Chinwendu, recounted the incident:
“The operatives came and started dragging goods with traders. Suddenly, they began shooting in the air. People ran in different directions, but sadly, four persons, including a pregnant woman, were hit by stray bullets. Their bodies were later taken away by the police.”
The incident has sparked outrage among traders, who accused the OCHA Brigade of consistent harassment and brutality in Onitsha markets.
Confirming the development, Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said calm had been restored to the area.
“Although we do not have the full details yet, we received reports that some security officers, while carrying out their duties, opened fire, leading to the death of three persons. The situation is under control and normalcy has returned,” Ikenga stated.
The OCHA Brigade, a state-run enforcement outfit, is saddled with maintaining environmental order, clearing illegal structures, and enforcing waste management rules across Anambra.
Leave a Reply