At least one person has been confirmed dead and six others injured after operatives of the Ocha Brigade, Anambra State’s environmental enforcement team, opened fire during a clash with traders at the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday.
The shooting sparked unrest in the market before police tactical teams were deployed to restore calm.
In a statement, Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident, saying the victims were immediately taken to the hospital.
According to him, the victims — identified as Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, and Chinwe Igwe (22), alongside two yet-to-be-identified persons — sustained gunshot injuries.
He added that Igwe was later confirmed dead, while the others are responding to treatment. The police have invited the management of the task force to identify the operatives involved for prosecution.
Also reacting, Anambra’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
