By Karen James
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Onitsha Main Market fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday.
In a statement issued during a press briefing at the Police Command headquarters in Amawbia, CP Orutugu described the incident as unfortunate and assured the public that police presence has been intensified to prevent criminal activities in the affected area.
The fire, which started around 6:20 a.m. at a building along Ifejika Street by Sokoto Road, quickly spread to a neighboring structure. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, officials from the Anambra State Fire Service confirmed that their team promptly intervened and brought the situation under control.
The CP commended the Fire Service, volunteers, and well-meaning residents for their swift response, which prevented further destruction. He emphasized that no lives were lost and encouraged traders to prioritize safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
In addition to addressing the fire incident, CP Orutugu highlighted recent security achievements in the state.
On March 23, 2025, a joint security operation successfully rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida. The rescue operation resulted in a gunfight with the abductors, who were subdued, while the priest was recovered unharmed.
Similarly, on March 22, three kidnapped victims were rescued along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road in Ozubulu. The victims, who had sustained injuries, received medical attention and are now stable.
In another operation, police operatives from the Obosi division arrested a suspect, Kosiso Okonwko, and recovered a Beretta pistol. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.
Further security efforts led to the arrest of two robbery suspects — Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19) — in an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka. The police recovered a pump-action gun, 16 expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two suspected stolen phones.
On March 26, 2025, police surveillance teams intercepted a tricycle carrying a suspicious passenger identified as Somtochukwu Okoye. A search revealed a locally made Beretta pistol in his possession. Okoye confessed to being a member of the Junior Viking cult and implicated another suspect already in custody.
The following day, officers arrested one Richard Onwugbufo at Dynamo Junction, Ifite Awka, seizing a Beretta pistol with three live rounds.
CP Orutugu assured residents that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Concluding the briefing, the Commissioner extended warm Sallah greetings to the Muslim community in the state, pledging continued collaboration between security agencies, local vigilante groups, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Anambra State.
