One person is dead and others are injured after a state task force reportedly opened fire on traders at the Onitsha Main market in Anambra on Tuesday.
The incident, involving operatives from the Ocha Brigade, Anambra’s environmental enforcement team, reportedly began with a clash between the task force and the traders before shots were fired. This sparked unrest in the market.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, confirmed the shooting and stated that the police command deployed “tactical teams” to the market to restore calm.
According to his statement, “The operatives swiftly addressed and calmed the traders, restoring order and dispersing them back to their shops and lawful businesses.”
Ikenga identified some of the victims as “Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, Chinwe Igwe (F, 22), and two others yet to be identified.” All were taken to a hospital, where “Igwe was later confirmed dead.” Her body has been taken to the hospital morgue for an autopsy. Ikenga added, “The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.” The police spokesperson also said that the task force management has been asked to help identify the suspects for prosecution.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Law Mefor, Anambra’s commissioner for information, said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has “ordered the arrest and prosecution of the shooters.” Mefor confirmed that “An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences.”