ONITSHA — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of members of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade involved in a shooting incident near Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha Main Market.
The directive, announced in a statement on Tuesday by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, followed reports that the operatives opened fire during an enforcement exercise, sparking panic in the bustling commercial hub.
Witnesses alleged that several people were hit by bullets, including a pregnant woman, during the chaos. The government later confirmed that one of the victims, identified as Miss Chinwe Igwe, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Her remains have been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.
“The government appreciates the swift intervention of the Police, who have restored calm and order to the area. An investigation into the incident has commenced, and all necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Mefor stated.
He added that the governor directed the suspects be handed over to the police for prosecution, while assuring that the state will cover the medical expenses of the injured.
The OCHA Brigade, a task force set up to enforce sanitation and environmental laws, has long faced accusations of harassment, extortion, and the excessive use of force.
Authorities confirmed that normalcy has since returned to Onitsha Main Market, with police patrols and surveillance ongoing to maintain peace and order.
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