There was chaos near the bustling Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market, on Tuesday when operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade (OCHA Brigade) allegedly opened fire, leaving at least four people dead, including a pregnant woman.
Eyewitnesses said the incident sparked panic among traders and passers-by, who fled the area in fear. The OCHA Brigade is a state-run enforcement agency mandated to enforce cleanliness, order, and discipline across Anambra, often clearing illegal structures, roadside traders, and confiscating products from unlicensed businesses.
A trader, identified only as Chinwendu, narrated the incident:
“The operatives came and ordered traders to remove their wares. An altercation followed as they began dragging goods with the traders. Suddenly, they opened fire. People ran for their lives, but stray bullets hit four people, including a pregnant woman.”
According to witnesses, police later arrived at the scene and evacuated the victims’ bodies. The incident has intensified anger among traders, many of whom accused the OCHA Brigade of harassment and heavy-handed enforcement.
When contacted, Anambra State Police Command spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the shooting but gave a lower casualty figure.
“We have a report that some security officers, while carrying out their functions, opened fire, and this led to the killing of three persons. The situation is under control, and calm has been restored to the market. We will provide more details as soon as we have them,” Ikenga said.
The development has left Onitsha residents shaken, with calls mounting for accountability and restraint in security operations.
