Two persons sustained gunshot wounds on Wednesday after a police operation to apprehend suspected offenders turned violent around the River Niger Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The incident occurred around midday and caused confusion in the area, with motorists and pedestrians caught up in the disturbance. Traffic was also disrupted along the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway.
The confrontation reportedly started when police officers attempted to take some suspects into custody. Witnesses said the situation quickly escalated, leaving two people injured.
An eyewitness said, “The incident occurred this afternoon. It arose from a confrontation between the police officers and the victims. They were being stopped by the officers during questioning. In an attempt to arrest them, they resisted the arrest and the police fired some shots at them.
“The incident resulted in heavy skirmishes around the Bridgehead Market as people scampered to safety. The area remained in chaos until the arrival of another batch of police team. The victims were later rushed to a nearby hospital.”
The state police command confirmed that the incident happened during an attempted arrest, saying the suspects allegedly resisted the officers.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama visited the location shortly after the incident and spoke to people at the scene.
He added that the CP later visited the injured persons in hospital and promised that the police command would support their treatment.
Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, while addressing the crowd in Onitsha over the incident arising from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stated that the immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
“The incident occurred when suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
“The CP further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm.
“He stressed that the investigation will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
“The Commissioner of Police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course.”
The command said the investigation would determine what led to the use of firearms and guide any further action.
Ikenga also assured residents that the police remained committed to accountability, professionalism, respect for human life and the rule of law.
He added, “Meanwhile, traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area have been de-escalated, with free flow of vehicular and human movement now restored,” he added.
