ONITSHA, Anambra State – Tension rocked Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday after operatives of the Ocha Brigade, an environmental law enforcement unit created by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, allegedly opened fire on traders, killing a young woman and injuring several others.
The incident happened around the busy Emeka Offor Plaza area of the market. Eyewitnesses said the operatives suddenly started shooting during a clash with traders, sparking panic. In retaliation, angry traders set ablaze a vehicle said to belong to the Ocha Brigade Commander in Onitsha.
Videos from the scene showed traders shouting in anger, accusing the Ocha Brigade of behaving like “touts” under the protection of the state government. One trader in the video said: “They have killed several people in Onitsha. This is the car of the Ocha Brigade commander. Onitsha people are angry.”
Police Confirm One Dead, Six Injured
The Anambra State Police Command later released a statement giving a different account of the incident. According to the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, one person — identified as 22-year-old Miss Chinwe Igwe — died from gunshot injuries, while six others were wounded.
“The Anambra State Police Command has restored calm in Onitsha Main Market following a distress call reporting that personnel of the Ocha Brigade allegedly engaged in an altercation with some traders,” Ikenga said.
He explained that after the shooting, Police Commissioner CP Ikioye Orutugu deployed tactical teams and security operatives to the scene. They were joined by the Area Commander of Onitsha, the Divisional Police Officer for Main Market, and the Anti-Cultism Squad Commander to calm the situation.
The injured victims were identified as:
Mr. Ebuka Orakwe (male)
Orum Oluebube (male)
Anthony Kosisochukwu (male)
Ifeoma Ezema (female)
Chinwe Igwe (female, 22, deceased)
Two others yet to be identified
The victims were taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed the death of Miss Igwe. Others are still receiving treatment and are reportedly responding well.
Call for Justice
The police also said they have invited the management of the Ocha Brigade to identify and hand over the officers involved for investigation and prosecution.
For years, residents have accused the Ocha Brigade of violent and high-handed tactics in the name of “enforcement.” The latest incident has fueled public anger, with many calling out Governor Soludo for “empowering government thugs” to intimidate citizens instead of protecting them.
The situation remains tense in Onitsha as traders demand justice for the victims.
