Chaos at Onitsha Main Market as OCHA Brigade opens fire, killing four, including a pregnant woman. Police restore calm and investigate incident.

Pandemonium erupted on Tuesday near the bustling Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha Main Market when operatives of the Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, widely known as the “OCHA Brigade,” allegedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals, including a pregnant woman.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and outrage as traders, residents, and passers-by scrambled to safety.

The incident reportedly occurred during the morning hours as market activities were in full swing.

Chinwendu, a trader who witnessed the event, recounted the chaos: “The operatives of the OCHA Brigade came to the market and forcefully ordered traders to remove their wares.

“This led to confrontations between the operatives and the traders. In the process of confiscating goods, the operatives allegedly opened fire, shooting indiscriminately into the air.

“People ran in all directions to avoid the bullets. Sadly, four innocent people, including a pregnant woman, were hit by stray bullets and lost their lives.

“Police operatives later arrived and carried away the bodies.”

The OCHA Brigade is a state-run enforcement agency tasked with promoting environmental sustainability, maintaining public order, and ensuring compliance with cleanliness and health regulations across Anambra State.

Its responsibilities include clearing illegal structures, enforcing proper waste disposal, preventing roadside trading that obstructs traffic, and confiscating items from unlicensed businesses.

The recent shooting has reignited public anger over the Brigade’s operations, with traders lamenting that they often face harassment and intimidation during enforcement activities.

Many market residents expressed frustration over what they describe as a pattern of excessive force by the OCHA operatives.

The Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but assured that calm had been restored.

“While we are still gathering full details, reports indicate that some security officers, while performing their duties, opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three people.

“The situation is now under control, and calm has returned to the market. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” Ikenga stated.

The tragic event has left the Onitsha trading community in shock, raising concerns over the safety of residents and the need for improved protocols during enforcement operations.