Onitsha shooting: Soludo orders arrest of erring security operatives

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has directed the arrest of operatives of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade”, who were involved in the shooting near Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market.

Soludo directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution, and that the medical needs of those who sustained injuries be taken care of.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, on Tuesday.

The OCHA Brigade is a special enforcement unit created to enforce environmental and sanitation regulations.

It has, in the past, faced allegations of harassment, extortion, and excessive use of force against residents and traders.

On Tuesday, the situation escalated when operatives reportedly opened fire while carrying out enforcement duties, leading to chaos in the busy commercial hub.

Recall that there was pandemonium near the ever-busy axis of Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market, on Tuesday, when operatives of the OCHA Brigade allegedly opened fire, leaving some victims, including a pregnant woman, dead.

Reacting to the development, Mefor said the Anambra State Government is aware of the disturbance that occurred in Onitsha Main Market earlier in the day.

The statement read in part, “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.

“Regrettably, one of the victims, Miss Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival. Her body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.

“Meanwhile, Mr Governor has directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution and for the medical needs of those who sustained injuries to be taken care of.

“Meanwhile, normalcy has since been restored in the area by the Police, while patrols and monitoring continue by law enforcement agents to ensure sustained peace.”

The tragic incident underscores the tensions that often arise between task force operatives and the public in urban centres like Onitsha, where economic activity is high and enforcement measures are frequently contested.

While enforcement of order is crucial, recurring reports of brutality and unprofessional conduct by state-backed operatives threaten public trust and undermine governance.