A woman was shot dead and six others sustained gunshot wounds when operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade opened fire on traders at Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The incident occurred around Emeka Offor Plaza in the commercial hub as traders resisted attempts by the task force officials to confiscate their goods.
Witnesses said the operatives resorted to gunfire during the confrontation, causing panic and disruption in the market.
The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Miss Chinwe Igwe, who was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
Six others were rushed to medical facilities for treatment. While some reports claimed that more than one person may have died, authorities have so far confirmed a single fatality.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the arrest and prosecution of the erring operatives.
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The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the government would cover the medical bills of those injured and that a full investigation had been launched to prevent future occurrences.
The Anambra State Police Command said it received a distress call during the shooting and immediately deployed tactical teams, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Onitsha Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officer for Main Market, and the Commander of the Anti-Cultism Squad, to restore calm.
The command also confirmed that OCHA management had been directed to identify and hand over the personnel involved for prosecution.
The shooting has drawn condemnation from residents and traders, who described it as reckless and unnecessary.
The people urged the state government to review the operations of the OCHA Brigade in markets across Anambra.