Soludo Orders Arrest Of Task Force Officials Who Shot Traders At Onitsha Market

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo has ordered the arrest of task force operatives involved in a shooting at Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market, which left one person dead.

The incident happened on Tuesday when operatives of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade” opened fire in the busy market area.

The situation escalated when the operatives shot some people, including a pregnant woman, Miss Chinwe Igwe, who later died at the hospital, leading to chaos in the busy commercial hub.

Following the tragedy, Governor Soludo ordered that those responsible be taken into custody and handed over to the police for prosecution.

The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, who confirmed the development in a statement, said the governor also directed that the injured receive full medical attention.

He noted that the government was fully aware of the unrest at the market and commended the police for their quick response in restoring calm.

“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,” he stated.

“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.

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

KanyiDaily recalls that the Anambra Government recently sacked eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit for brutally assaulting and stripping a female corps member, Jennifer Elobor, in public.