One dead, six injured as task force opens fire in Anambra market

At least one person has been confirmed dead after task force operatives opened fire in a market in Anambra state.

The incident was said to have occurred on Tuesday at the Onitsha Main market in the state.

Operatives of the Ocha Brigade, Anambra’s environmental enforcement team, reportedly clashed with traders before opening fire at them.

The incident subsequently triggered unrest within the market.

In a statement, Tochukwu Ikenga, police spokesperson in Anambra, confirmed the shooting, saying the command deployed “tactical teams” to restore calm in the market after the incident.

“The operatives swiftly addressed and calmed the traders, restoring order and dispersing them back to their shops and lawful businesses,” the statement reads.

He said the victims of the gunshots —  Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, Chinwe Igwe (F, 22), and two others yet to be identified — were promptly evacuated to the hospital.

Ikenga said Igwe was later confirmed dead, adding that the body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

“The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively,” he said.

The police spokesperson said the task force management has been invited to identify the suspects for prosecution.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Law Mefor, Anambra commissioner for information, said Chukwuma Soludo, the state governor, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of the shooters.

“An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences,” Mefor said.