By Karen James
The Anambra State Police Command has restored normalcy at Onitsha Main Market following a violent altercation that left seven traders with gunshot injuries and triggered unrest in the market on Tuesday, 9th September 2025.
According to reports, the incident involved personnel of the Ocha Brigade, an Anambra State Environmental Law Enforcement outfit, who allegedly clashed with some traders during enforcement activities.
Upon receiving a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, immediately deployed tactical teams and other security agencies to the scene. The team was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, alongside the Area Commander Onitsha, the Divisional Police Officer of Main Market, and the Commander of the Anti-Cultism Squad.
The operatives swiftly engaged the agitated traders, restored order, and dispersed the crowd back to their shops and lawful activities.
Victims of the gunshots — identified as Mr. Ebuka Orakwe (M), Orum Oluebube (M), Anthony Kosisochukwu (M), Ifeoma Ezema (F), Chinwe Igwe (F, 22 years), and two others yet to be identified — were rushed to hospital. Tragically, Miss Chinwe Igwe was confirmed dead on arrival. Her remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.
Meanwhile, the Command has extended an invitation to the management of the alleged local enforcement team to assist in identifying the suspects for prosecution. The Police further assured the public that calm has been restored in the market, with intensified patrols and monitoring to sustain peace.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
