Anambra Government Confirms Death At Onitsha Market Clash, Promises Justice And Stronger Security For Traders And Residents

 

Tension gripped Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday following a violent disturbance that left one person dead and several others injured. The Anambra State Government has now officially confirmed the tragic loss of life, assuring residents that peace has been restored while investigations and prosecutions are already underway.

The State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, issued a detailed statement regarding the incident. He acknowledged the unfortunate death of Miss Chinwe Igwe, who was rushed to a hospital but confirmed dead on arrival. Her body has since been taken to the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. This news has thrown many traders and residents into mourning, with sympathies pouring in from across the state.

Authorities revealed that erring officials linked to the disturbance have been arrested and handed over to the police. The swift intervention of law enforcement officers was praised for preventing further escalation of violence within the bustling market, one of the busiest commercial hubs in the southeast. The Commissioner also emphasized that other victims of the clash are receiving medical treatment and responding well, bringing a measure of relief in the midst of grief.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has personally intervened, directing security agencies to ensure that suspects face full prosecution. He also instructed that medical bills for those injured be covered by the state government. The governor’s decision reflects a firm stance that no act of violence or lawlessness will be tolerated in markets that serve as the backbone of Anambra’s economy.

Traders at Onitsha Main Market recounted how business activities were suddenly disrupted when chaos broke out. Eyewitnesses described a tense atmosphere, with many fleeing for safety while shop owners hurriedly locked up their stalls. The incident left a trail of destruction and fear among traders, though calm gradually returned once security personnel moved in to control the situation.

Market leaders have since appealed for calm, urging members to avoid retaliation or panic. They pledged full cooperation with government authorities to ensure that justice is served and similar situations do not reoccur. For many who depend on daily trade to survive, the incident served as a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be in heavily populated commercial areas.

The government has assured residents that measures are being put in place to prevent a repeat of such events. Beyond arresting suspects, a broader investigation is underway to uncover what triggered the disturbance and identify any loopholes in security operations at the market. Officials stressed that continuous patrols and monitoring by law enforcement agencies will remain in place to ensure traders and customers can conduct their activities without fear.

Human rights and civil society groups have also weighed in, calling for a transparent investigation and swift justice. According to activists, government responses to violent incidents in markets and other public spaces must go beyond short-term policing and address deeper issues of accountability and community trust.

The loss of Miss Igwe has sparked conversations about safety in major markets across Anambra. Many residents are now calling for better infrastructure, improved crowd control measures, and regular security checks to reduce the chances of violence. For families of victims, however, the immediate concern remains recovery, healing, and justice for their loved ones.

Onitsha Main Market, long regarded as the heartbeat of trade in Anambra, attracts thousands of traders and customers daily. Its size and significance make any disturbance within it not just a local concern but also a state-wide issue. Tuesday’s tragedy has underscored how fragile peace can be in such an environment, highlighting the importance of vigilance and cooperation between traders, market leaders, and security agencies.

The state government insists it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice and restoring trust. Law Mefor, in his statement, reaffirmed that calm has returned to the market and urged the public to go about their normal activities. He stressed that Anambra remains committed to protecting lives and property, particularly in sensitive areas such as commercial centers where livelihoods are deeply rooted.

For now, Onitsha traders are cautiously resuming business under the watchful eyes of security patrols. Many hope the unfortunate incident will serve as a turning point for stronger policies on market security and stricter enforcement against lawlessness. The memory of Miss Igwe will remain with them, a somber reminder of the cost of violence and the urgent need for collective responsibility in safeguarding one of Nigeria’s most important commercial landscapes.