Citypost News Desk
Onitsha Main Market was thrown into mourning today following a violent clash that claimed four lives at the Emeka Offor Plaza axis of the commercial hub.
The incident began when members of an anti-touting unit led by a man identified as “Cabal” stormed the market to disperse roadside traders accused of obstructing traffic. Eyewitnesses said the operation quickly turned chaotic as the taskforce operatives, armed with guns, attempted to forcefully chase away traders.
In the heated confrontation, shots were fired, leaving four people dead on the spot. Among the victims were a woman and her young daughter, a man who sold glasses, and another woman with her child.
“They claimed it was an accidental discharge, but lives were wasted just because they wanted to scare people away,” a trader lamented. Market sources confirmed that the corpses were immediately evacuated on the orders of the market leadership.
The tragedy has once again ignited anger over the activities of untrained security taskforces operating in the state, including the Ocha Brigade, Agubechemba, Udo Ga Achi, and Ndi Akodo. Critics argue that these groups, often accused of brutality and high-handedness, operate with little oversight.
Observers say the development raises fresh questions about Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to protecting lives in Anambra State. Many are now calling for the deployment of properly trained personnel in line with the governor’s “liveable and prosperous homeland” vision.
