Our Reporter, Abuja
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, have condemned the fatal shooting of traders in Onitsha by operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, which reportedly claimed the life of a pregnant woman.
Obi, in a statement, described the development as a tragic reflection of the dangers posed by poorly regulated state-backed security outfits. He warned that rather than mitigating insecurity, such groups were becoming a source of fear and oppression for already vulnerable citizens.
“At a time when our nation is grappling with serious security challenges, it is very worrisome that state-backed outfits, created to improve security, are worsening the plight of the people and sometimes acting even worse than the criminals they were meant to confront,” Obi said.
He recalled previous incidents, including the brutal assault of a youth corper by another outfit in the state, and stressed the need for urgent reforms.
“The tragic shooting and killing of traders, especially the killing of a pregnant woman in Onitsha, is deeply troubling and highlights the urgent need for thorough scrutiny, proper reorganisation, and strict accountability of these outfits,” he added.
While commiserating with the victims’ families, Obi urged that all those responsible be investigated and prosecuted.
“My deepest sympathy goes to the families of the victims. May they find strength and comfort, and may the departed rest in peace,” he said.
On his part, Governor Soludo ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the OCHA Brigade operatives involved in the shooting incident near Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha Main Market.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the governor directed that the suspects be handed over to the police and assured that the state would cover the medical expenses of the injured.
“We appreciate the swift intervention of the Police, who have restored calm and order to the area. An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Mefor stated.
He confirmed that one of the victims, identified as Miss Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while other injured persons were responding to treatment.
The OCHA Brigade, established to enforce environmental and sanitation laws in Anambra, has in recent years faced mounting accusations of harassment, extortion, and excessive use of force. Tuesday’s incident has further fueled calls for a comprehensive review of its operations.
Normalcy has since been restored to the Onitsha Main Market following police intervention, while patrols and monitoring continue in the area.
