By Chuks Moses | Awka | September 9, 2025
After a disquieting silence for hours, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has waded into the tension between traders and operatives of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade” by ordering the arrest of operatives of the brigade who were behind the shooting and killing of a pregnant woman near Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the governor directed that those behind the crime be handed over to the police for prosecution.
The statement read in part, “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.
“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, Mr Governor has directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution and for the medical needs of those who sustained injuries to be taken care of.
However, tension remained high across Anambra State following the fatal shooting and the injury of several others during the violent clash between operatives of Ocha Brigade, and traders at the bustling Onitsha Main Market.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred around 7:00 am as traders were setting up their wares for the day’s business. Operatives of the Ocha Brigade reportedly stormed the area, demanding traders vacate certain spaces, which led to a heated confrontation. In the ensuing chaos, operatives allegedly fired live rounds, resulting in multiple injuries and at least one death.
Among the victims was Miss Chinwe Igwe, a 22-year-old pregnant woman, who was confirmed dead on arrival at a local hospital. Six others—Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, and two yet-to-be-identified individuals—sustained varying degrees of gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment.
In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command described the clash as “a violent altercation between Ocha Brigade personnel and traders.” He confirmed that officers responded swiftly to distress calls and successfully restored order in the area.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, deployed tactical teams, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Area Commander of Onitsha, and commanders from the Anti-Cultism and Main Market Divisions to contain the situation.
Police have since launched an investigation into the incident and have invited the leadership of Ocha Brigade to assist in identifying those involved for possible prosecution. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims while maintaining public order,” the statement read.
Public Outrage Mounts
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of Ocha Brigade and other state-backed security outfits, including the Anambra State Anti-Cult Touting Squad Agency (SASA), Agunechemba, ASTA, ASMA, and the controversial Udo Ga-Achi group. These agencies have long faced accusations of brutality, extortion, and unlawful killings.
Residents have accused the government of enabling violence through the creation of “militia-style” task forces under the guise of law enforcement. A visibly shaken trader at the scene, who gave her name as Chinwendu, lamented:
“This is heartbreaking. Four innocent people, including a pregnant woman, were gunned this morning. These so-called enforcement agents are nothing but government-licensed criminals.”
The situation has rekindled anger over the use of force during the August 16 bye-elections, where members of Udo Ga-Achi allegedly detained 18 journalists, threatening them with violence while claiming to be working under government orders.
Political analyst and filmmaker Adim Williams strongly condemned the killings, linking the crisis to alleged poor leadership:
“Since Soludo took office, security in Anambra has worsened—not because of criminals, but because of the government itself. These killers wear state uniforms, carry guns, and answer to no one. How do you justify arming untrained individuals to patrol our markets and streets?”
Williams further accused the governor of appointing ex-convicts and political thugs into enforcement units, blaming Soludo for turning Anambra into “a state ruled by fear.”
He also recalled a recent incident where female youth corps members were allegedly assaulted by state agents, warning that such abuses are eroding the hospitality Anambra people are known for.
Opposition Calls for Leadership Change
Opposition parties have used the incident to renew calls for a change in leadership. One such voice is that of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, a prominent businessman and gubernatorial hopeful, whose team called for the “rescue” of Anambra from “tyrannical governance.”
“What happened today is not an accident; it’s the outcome of empowering the wrong people. Soludo’s government has become synonymous with fear, violence, and lawlessness. Anambra deserves better,” a campaign spokesperson stated.
As outrage grows, pressure is mounting on the state government to disband these controversial task forces and initiate an independent probe into the killings. Civil rights groups are also calling on the Federal Government and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene immediately.
Police Assure Continued Monitoring
Meanwhile, the police have assured residents of sustained patrols across major markets and public spaces to prevent a breakdown of law and order. “We urge members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations,” said DSP Ikenga.
But for the people of Onitsha and the broader Anambra public, the events of September 9 will not be easily forgotten—especially as questions about accountability, governance, and the sanctity of human life continue to dominate public discourse.
