Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the arrest of personnel of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, also known as “OCHA Brigade,” involved in the shooting incident near Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha Main Market.

The governor instructed that the operatives be handed over to the police for prosecution, while assuring that the medical needs of the injured victims will be taken care of.

This was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor.

The OCHA Brigade, a special task force established to enforce environmental and sanitation laws, has previously faced accusations of harassment, extortion, and excessive use of force against residents and traders.

Tuesday’s incident reportedly escalated when operatives fired shots during an enforcement exercise, causing panic in the busy commercial area. Witnesses said the shooting left several victims injured, including a pregnant woman, while a young woman identified as Miss Chinwe Igwe was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

Mefor, in the government’s reaction, said security agencies had swiftly restored order and that investigations were already underway to unravel the circumstances behind the incident.

“We commend the quick intervention of the police in restoring calm. An investigation has commenced, and the government is committed to ensuring such incidents do not happen again. Sadly, one victim, Miss Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival and her body has been deposited for autopsy. Others who sustained injuries are responding well to treatment,” the statement read in part.

“Mr Governor has directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution, while the medical treatment of the injured victims will be fully covered. Normalcy has been restored in the market area, with police patrols ongoing to maintain peace.”

The tragic event highlights the recurring tension between enforcement operatives and the public in commercial hubs like Onitsha, where state-backed task forces are often accused of high-handedness.