Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the arrest of operatives of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, also known as “OCHA Brigade,” who were involved in the shooting near Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market.
Soludo ordered that the suspects be detained and turned over to authorities for prosecution, as well as that those who were injured have their medical needs met.
This was reported in a statement issued on Tuesday by Law Mefor, the Commissioner for Information.
The OCHA Brigade is a special enforcement team dedicated to enforcing environmental and sanitary standards.
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 opened fire while carrying out enforcement duties, leading to chaos in the busy commercial hub.
Chronicle NG reports that there was pandemonium near the ever-busy axis of Emeka Offor Plaza and Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday when operatives of the OCHA Brigade allegedly opened fire, leaving some victims, including a pregnant woman, dead.
Speaking on the incident, 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.
The sad incident highlights the difficulties that frequently occur between task force operators and the general people in urban areas such as Onitsha, where economic activity is high and enforcement tactics are routinely challenged.
While maintaining order is critical, repeated claims of brutality and unprofessional behavior by state-sponsored operations jeopardize public trust and weaken administration.
“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.”
