Tragedy in Nnewi: Anambra Police Investigate Agunechemba Operative in Fatal Nnewi Shooting

 

AWKA, Anambra State – A tragic episode unfolded in the bustling town of Nnewi on Tuesday as a woman lost her life to a stray bullet allegedly fired by a member of the newly-formed Agunechemba security outfit, sparking widespread outrage and prompting a swift response from the Anambra State Police Command.

The victim, identified as Chiamaka Okeke, was reportedly caught in a traffic snarl at the ever-busy Ibeto Junction when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses recounted a chaotic scene in which operatives of Agunechemba stormed the gridlocked road, attempting to force a passage for their convoy by firing live rounds indiscriminately into the air. In the process, a bullet struck the woman, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The shocking incident has now drawn the attention of the highest ranks of law enforcement in the state, with Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, establishing a special investigative team to oversee the activities of the Agunechemba outfit and unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

In a statement released by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command confirmed the ongoing investigation and announced that efforts were already underway to identify both the specific patrol unit and the operative responsible for discharging the fatal shot.

“We have taken immediate steps to liaise with the leadership of Agunechemba. Our aim is to pinpoint the exact patrol team that was present in Nnewi that day and determine which operative fired the shot,” said Ikenga.

As part of a broader response, CP Orutugu appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Mantu Chong, who oversees the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Awka, to lead a monitoring team. This team is tasked with ensuring that all Agunechemba operatives adhere strictly to operational protocols and maintain professionalism in the field.

The Commissioner further extended appreciation to the state government and residents for their cooperation in ongoing crime-fighting initiatives, particularly over the recent Easter holidays which saw enhanced security operations across the state. He emphasized that the synergy between the police and various security agencies had been pivotal in curbing violent crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.

But Tuesday’s fatal incident has brought renewed focus on the conduct of security operatives, especially those belonging to newly constituted or auxiliary groups. The establishment of Agunechemba, while intended to bolster internal security, now faces scrutiny amid calls for accountability and transparent oversight.

In a broader context, CP Orutugu reiterated the police force’s commitment to upholding justice, ensuring that no operative—whether police or allied security—operates above the law. He reaffirmed the command’s reliance on community policing strategies and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as non-violent means of addressing grievances within communities.

“We are calling for calm from the public. The incident is being handled with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Ikenga assured, adding that updates would be released as investigations progress.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, questions are being raised about the training, mandate, and oversight of Agunechemba personnel. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have also begun to weigh in, calling for a thorough review of the outfit’s activities and urging the state government to implement stronger regulatory frameworks for security operations.

As Chiamaka Okeke’s family mourns their devastating loss, the people of Anambra await justice—not only for her but for the principles of safety and accountability that underpin a functional society. The coming days will be critical in determining how far the authorities are willing to go in ensuring that such a tragedy never repeats itself.

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