Soludo Orders Arrest of Security Operatives Over Onitsha Shooting

Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate arrest of security operatives involved in a shooting incident near Emeka Offor Plaza at Onitsha Main Market, which claimed the life of at least one person on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses said the operatives, attached to a government task force, opened fire during an enforcement operation, causing panic among traders and shoppers in the busy commercial hub. Several others were reportedly injured in the process.

In a swift response, Governor Soludo directed that the operatives be apprehended and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution. He also ordered that the state government should cover the medical expenses of all those injured in the attack.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Law Mefor, who confirmed that the government was aware of the incident and was taking steps to prevent a recurrence.

“The Anambra State Government will not tolerate acts of recklessness or abuse of power by any enforcement team. Those involved in this tragic incident will be brought to justice, while victims will be given necessary care,” the statement read in part.

Mefor assured residents that the government remained committed to protecting lives and property and urged the public to remain calm while investigations continued.

The Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest trading centres in West Africa, was temporarily thrown into chaos following the shooting, as traders closed their shops in protest.