Tension in Onitsha as OCHA Brigade allegedly kills pregnant woman, three others

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By Madu Obi

Tension is mounting in the commercial city of Onitsha following reports that operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA, Brigade allegedly opened fire at the ever busy Emeka Offor Plaza at Bright Street, close to Onitsha Main Market, leaving four people, including a pregnant woman, dead.

Eyewitnesses said the incident sparked panic and outrage among traders and residents in the area, who immediately fled the scene for safety.

The victims, it was gathered, were carrying out their businesses when they were shot by armed men reportedly working for OCHA Brigade, a state government sanitation enforcement outfit.

“This is heartbreaking. Four innocent people who left their homes this morning have been cut down in cold blood. Among them is a pregnant woman.

Anambra people are living in fear because criminals have been handed guns and uniforms in the name of government enforcement,” the eye witness said.

The reason for the shooting could not be immediately ascertained, but the incident has fueled widespread anger, with critics accusing the state government of empowering groups who terrorize the people.

Reacting on the incident, the state Police command said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has sent an Assistant Commissioner of Police to the scene to calm the situation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO SP Tochukwu Ikenga, however, said that only one person was dead, while four others were injured.

According to him, the incident followed an altercation between some traders and operatives of OCHA Brigade.