– Trader killed in Anambra market
– Anambra market shooting incident.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Chaos erupted late Friday at the Science Equipment Market in Onitsha, Anambra, as members of the Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad reportedly shot one individual dead and left several others injured.
The incident unfolded when the squad entered the market in search of an individual who had allegedly urinated in a restricted area and sought refuge among the market stalls.
Witnesses described a scene of indiscriminate shooting that lasted for over two hours, causing traders to flee for safety and resulting in damage and theft of merchandise.
One trader, who identified himself as Okonkwo, recounted the events, stating, “Yesterday was a dark day for us in this market. The operatives took the life of a man simply because he urinated along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway.”
He continued, “After urinating, the young man ran into the market as the operatives pursued him. Once inside, they began firing their weapons, sparking panic among sellers and buyers. Many individuals sustained injuries while trying to escape the chaos.”
Okonkwo also mentioned that stray bullets struck two people, who were later taken to the hospital for treatment. Additionally, he highlighted that goods were damaged and stolen during the turmoil, with the operatives allegedly extorting money from individuals caught urinating outside the market’s restricted areas.
Police Response and Investigation
Following the incident, the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the occurrence and stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Ikenga reported, “The Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate transfer of a reported murder case that occurred at the head bridge market on Friday. Our officers, under the supervision of the DPO head bridge, responded to the scene and discovered a young man lying in a pool of blood, with another individual injured.”
He added, “The injured individuals were swiftly taken to the hospital, where one was tragically pronounced dead. The police recovered six expended cartridges from the site, and further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
Previous Tragedy in Similar Circumstances
This recent incident echoes a similar tragedy that unfolded in December 2023 along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, where a young man named Chimezie lost his life to a stray bullet fired by individuals suspected to be affiliated with the Anambra State Anti-touts Agency.
Chimezie, a resident of Achina in Aguata Local Government Area, was standing on his balcony near Okpoko Police Station in Ogbaru Local Government Area when the fatal shot struck him. He had recently completed his national service at the time.
.
Trader shot dead Anambra market
Trader shot Anambra market.
