Soludo Orders Arrest And Trial Of OCHA Brigade Officers After Fatal Onitsha Market Shooting Triggers Public Outrage

 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of officers of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, following a shooting incident that shook the busy Onitsha Main Market. The order came shortly after disturbing reports indicated that members of the state-backed task force allegedly opened fire during an enforcement operation near the popular Emeka Offor Plaza, leaving a trail of panic, injuries, and a confirmed fatality.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, in an official statement, revealed that the governor directed that those involved be promptly handed over to the police. He assured the public that no attempt would be made to shield the culprits from the law. According to him, all victims would receive adequate medical attention under the sponsorship of the state government.

The OCHA Brigade, widely known for enforcing environmental and sanitation laws across Anambra, has long been a source of controversy. Market traders, transport operators, and street vendors have often accused the agency of extortion, harassment, and heavy-handedness. Tensions reportedly reached a breaking point on Tuesday, when their operatives allegedly fired shots while carrying out enforcement at the bustling commercial hub of Onitsha. Eyewitness accounts claimed that a pregnant woman was among the casualties, fueling anger among residents and traders.

The incident triggered chaos in the market, as hundreds of traders and shoppers fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. Businesses were forced to shut down temporarily, and traffic around the area was thrown into disarray. It was only after the quick intervention of police operatives that normalcy was restored. Law Mefor acknowledged the role of the police in containing the situation and confirmed that an investigation into the matter had already commenced.

Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Miss Chinwe Igwe, did not survive. According to Mefor, she was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital. Her remains have since been deposited at the morgue for autopsy and preservation. Other victims, though severely injured, are receiving medical care and are said to be responding well to treatment.

Governor Soludo, through the statement, expressed regret over the loss of life and assured citizens that the culprits would face justice. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate acts of recklessness from any agency operating under the state government. He further pledged that measures would be put in place to prevent such deadly encounters in the future.

The development has reignited debates about the operations of the OCHA Brigade, whose excesses have been widely criticized over the years. Many traders in Onitsha complain that instead of focusing on maintaining cleanliness and order, the task force has become notorious for brutality and intimidation. The latest shooting has further damaged the agency’s reputation and strengthened calls for its reform or outright disbandment.

Civil society groups and human rights advocates have also weighed in on the issue. Several organizations have demanded that the trial of the OCHA personnel be conducted openly to restore public trust. They argue that consistent patterns of abuse by enforcement units thrive because erring officers are often shielded from consequences.

Public sentiment in Onitsha remains tense, as market leaders warn that further unrest could erupt if justice is not delivered swiftly. Residents are demanding accountability, pointing out that the market is the heart of commerce in Anambra and must remain safe for traders and customers alike.

Observers say this incident represents a major test for Soludo’s administration. The governor has made security and orderliness in markets central to his development agenda, but critics believe his government must rethink its approach to enforcement if tragedies like the Onitsha shooting are to be avoided. The demand is clear: safeguarding lives should never be compromised in the pursuit of law enforcement.

The tragic events at Onitsha Main Market underscore the fragile relationship between security agents and the public in Nigeria. Excessive force has often escalated minor enforcement operations into deadly encounters, leaving victims’ families shattered and communities enraged. The spotlight now falls on how swiftly and transparently Anambra authorities will handle this case, as both justice and public confidence hang in the balance.

For now, the family of Miss Chinwe Igwe grieves while the wounded fight for recovery. Traders are counting their losses after the market disruption, and the people of Anambra await evidence that their governor’s promise of justice is not mere rhetoric.