Confusion in Onitsha as security operatives, traders clash at main market

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA — Confusion erupted adjacent the Emeka Offor Plaza axis of Onitsha Main Market connected Tuesday pursuing a clash betwixt operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade and traders, which reportedly led to casualties.

Eyewitnesses said the incidental created panic and forced traders and residents to fly for safety.

The OCHA Brigade is simply a state-run enforcement bureau tasked with implementing authorities policies connected cleanliness, orderliness, and biology sustainability, including clearing amerciable structures, ensuring due discarded disposal, and keeping roads escaped of obstructions.

According to accounts from immoderate traders, an altercation broke retired erstwhile OCHA operatives arrived to enforce compliance. In the ensuing commotion, gunshots were fired, and respective radical were struck by stray bullets. Witnesses alleged that among the victims was a large woman.

The concern escalated, prompting a swift effect from constabulary operatives who restored calm astatine the scene.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing.

“We person reports that immoderate information officers, portion carrying retired their functions, opened fire, and this led to casualties. The concern is nether control, and calm has been restored to the market,” helium stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, besides visited the country to measure the situation.

Efforts to scope the OCHA Brigade enactment successful Onitsha for remark were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, sources said aggravated traders vandalized spot linked to the bureau successful protest.

The station Confusion successful Onitsha arsenic information operatives, traders clash astatine main market appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.