Operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State (OCHA Brigade) have been arrested following a shooting incident near Emeka Offor Plaza, Main Market, Onitsha, that claimed the life of a pregnant woman and injured four others.
The incident occurred on Tuesday during an enforcement exercise, when altercations broke out between the operatives and market traders, causing panic. Eyewitnesses reported that stray bullets struck several people, leading to casualties and injuries.
The Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, confirmed that the operation was not sanctioned by the agency and those involved have been detained. The operatives will be handed over to the police and the Department of State Services for investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command has invited the leadership of the OCHA Brigade to identify the suspects for prosecution. Authorities assured the public that any operatives found culpable will face strict sanctions, and all future enforcement activities will strictly adhere to the law establishing the agency.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with traders fleeing for safety and some pursuing the fleeing operatives. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents and traders, raising concerns about the conduct of some state law enforcement agents.
