Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State Governor, has ordered the arrest of operatives involved in the shooting near Onitsha Main Market. The governor directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.
Similarly, Soludo dictated that the medical needs of those who sustained injuries during the incident be taken care of. This was disclosed in a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, on Tuesday.
The operation of the clean and healthy Anambra brigade( OCHA) is a special enforcement unit created to enforce environmental and sanitation regulations. However, before the arrest, OCHA had been accused of harassing, extorting and using excessive force against residents and traders.
Read also: Deputy Speaker, Kalu advocates near-shoring as solution to migration
The situation escalated on Tuesday when operatives reportedly opened fire while carrying out enforcement duties, leaving a pregnant woman dead.
Reacting to this, the state government dropped a statement, noting that they have been informed of the insurgency in the marketplace. The administration commended the swift intervention of the police, who restored calm and order to the area.
Thereafter, the administration vowed to commence a proper investigation into the incident, assuring residents of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Subsequently, reports indicated that the deceased’s body had been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. At the same time, other victims are undergoing treatment at the hospital, where medical officials report they are responding positively.
Meanwhile, the tragic incident reflects the tensions that often arise in urban centres where enforcement of order is crucial. This has led to recurring reports of unprofessional conduct by government-backed operatives, threatening public trust and undermining the state administration.
