The Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the arrest of operatives of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade” who were behind the recent shooting and killing of a pregnant woman near Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the governor in a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, on Tuesday directed that those behind the crime should be arrested and 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.
“Meanwhile, normalcy has since been restored in the area by the Police, while patrols and monitoring continue by law enforcement agents to ensure sustained peace.”
Recall, there was pandemonium near the ever-busy axis of Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market, on Tuesday, when operatives of the OCHA Brigade allegedly opened fire, leaving some victims, including a pregnant woman, dead.
The conflict reportedly began when the brigade entered the market and instructed some traders to remove their goods. An argument ensued, which unfortunately escalated, leading to the gunfire that claimed the lives of four people.
“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 now living in fear because criminals have been handed guns and uniforms in the name of government enforcement’’a distraught trader said