By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Police Command has restored calm in Onitsha main market following 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, during which seven traders sustained gunshot injuries.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Tuesday, the incident subsequently triggered unrest within the market.
Upon receipt of the report in the early hours of 9th September 2025, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, immediately deployed tactical teams and other security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, in company with the Area Commander Onitsha, the Divisional Police Officer Main Market, and the Commander of the Anti-Cultism Squad, to the scene.
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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), Anthony Kosisochukwu (M), Ifeoma Ezema (F), Chinwe Igwe (F, 22 years), and two others yet to be identified, were promptly evacuated to hospital.
‘Regrettably, one of the victims, Miss Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival. Her body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.
Meanwhile, the Command has extended an invitation to the management of the alleged local enforcement team to identify the suspects for prosecution and notes that normalcy has since been restored in the area, while patrols and monitoring continue to ensure sustained peace.
