Chinedum Elekwachi
A pregnant woman on Tuesday lost her life while seven others sustained varying degrees of injury in a bloody clash in Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra state.
The clash was reportedly between traders and Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, a State Environmental Law Enforcement outfit.
According to eye witnesses, the incident sparked panic and outrage among traders and residents who fled the scene for safety.
“The operatives of OCHA Brigade had allegedly opened fire within the Emeka Offor Plaza axis, leaving four people, including a pregnant woman dead.
“This is heartbreaking. Four innocent people who left their homes this morning have been cut down in cold blood,” the witness said.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the clash claimed one woman while seven traders sustained gunshot injuries.
He said the body of the deceased has been deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation.
Ikenga said the Command has extended invitation to the management of the alleged local enforcement team to identify the suspects for prosecution.
Distress call
He said, “The Command’s intervention followed a distress call reporting that personnel of the Ocha Brigade, an Anambra State Environmental Law Enforcement outfit, allegedly engaged in an altercation with some traders.
“Seven traders sustained gunshot injuries. The incident subsequently triggered unrest within the market.
“Upon receipt of the report in the early hours of September 9, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu immediately deployed tactical teams and other security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
Ikenga said the Area Commander Onitsha, Main Market Divisional Police Officer and the Commander of Anti-Cultism Squad accompanied the team
“The operatives swiftly addressed and calmed the traders, restoring order and dispersing them back to their shops and lawful businesses.
“The victims of the gunshots, identified as Mr. Ebuka Orakwe (M), Orum Oluebube (M), and Anthony Kosisochukwu (M).
Others: Ifeoma Ezema (F), Chinwe Igwe (F, 22 years), and two unidentified others were promptly evacuated to hospital.
He regretted that the hospital confirmed one of the victims, Miss Chinwe Igwe, dead on arrival at the hospital.
“Her body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation.
The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.
“Normalcy has since been restored in the area, while patrols and monitoring continue to ensure sustained peace.”
