Soludo orders prosecution of enforcement officials linked to Onitsha trader’s murder

The Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has ordered the arrest of suspects linked to Tuesday’s killing of a woman and injuring of some others at the Onitsha Main Market.

The governor gave the order on Wednesday in a statement in Awka by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor.

The statement said the state government was aware of the disturbance that occurred in the Onitsha Main Market and gave an assurance of government’s rapid response.

It said the governor directed that the suspects be arrested and prosecuted while pledging to meet the medical needs of those injured.

The statement said investigation into the incident had commenced, promising that the government would ensure that all necessary measures were taken to prevent reoccurrence.

It expressed regret that one of the victims, Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival at an undisclosed hospital.

The statement stated that the other victims were currently receiving treatment while normalcy had been restored in the area by the police.

The statement noted, “We appreciate the swift intervention of the police who worked hard to restore calm and order to the area same day. The police patrols and law enforcement monitoring team are still on ground in the area to ensure sustained peace.’’

The personnel of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) reportedly opened fire on some traders following an altercation at the busy Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha Main Market.

The OCHA brigade is a state-run enforcement agency tasked with ensuring environmental sustainability and enforcement of government policies on cleanliness.

One person died in the incident while four were injured.

Naijauser