Onitsha tragedy: Pregnant woman, trader killed as Soludo orders arrest of OCHA operatives

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of members of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade following a deadly shooting in Onitsha on Tuesday that claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and at least one trader.

The violence erupted near the bustling Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha Main Market when OCHA operatives, deployed to enforce sanitation regulations, allegedly opened fire on traders and passersby. Panic swept through the commercial hub as people fled for safety.

Victims included Miss Chinwe Igwe, who was confirmed dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Her remains have been deposited for autopsy. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that a pregnant woman was among the dead, sparking outrage across the state.

Announcing the government’s response, Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said Soludo directed that the erring operatives be handed over to the police for prosecution while the state government covers medical expenses of the injured.

“We appreciate the swift intervention of the Police, who 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.

The OCHA Brigade, originally set up to enforce environmental and sanitation laws, has long faced allegations of harassment, extortion, and excessive use of force. Tuesday’s killings have renewed public anger, with many questioning the continued deployment of the unit in busy markets.

Security patrols have since been reinforced in Onitsha to maintain calm, but the tragedy underscores the growing distrust between state-backed task force operatives and residents in Anambra’s urban centres.