By Karen James
Operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) narrowly escaped death after suspected thugs launched a violent attack against them at the Bridgehead Expressway near the Ogbogwu Drug Market in Onitsha.
Reports indicate that the assailants vandalized the Ocha Brigade’s operational vehicle, damaging various items, including an Android phone, uniforms, caps, and the vehicle’s battery. The operatives themselves were severely beaten, sustaining multiple injuries.
According to one of the injured Ocha Brigade members, the attack began when their vehicle was deliberately blocked by a tricycle (Keke). The tricycle was allegedly hired by a relative of an environmental offender who had earlier been arrested for improper waste disposal near the Niger Bridgehead. Additionally, the Brigade had detained another individual accused of carrying tramadol.
“We arrested someone who was throwing waste into a gutter at the Niger Bridgehead. As we were transporting him to our office, along with another person caught with tramadol, a Keke suddenly blocked our vehicle in front,” the operative recounted.
“As we were about to ask the Keke occupants why they were blocking us, they began beating us. Before we could understand what was happening, more people emerged from the Ogbogwu area, including some Hausa traders and Keke operators stationed near the market. They joined in the attack,” he added.
The operative revealed that the mob nearly set their vehicle ablaze before a security guard intervened. It was only after the arrival of Ocha Brigade security reinforcements and Nigerian Navy personnel that the situation was brought under control.
Confirming the incident, the Onitsha Unit Coordinator of Ocha Brigade, Mr. Ejike Odife, assured that those responsible for the attack would face prosecution.
“The law will take its course, and all individuals involved in this lawless act will be brought to justice,” Mr. Odife stated.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
