Pandemonium as Anambra Task Force Allegedly Kills Pregnant Woman, 3 Others in Onitsha Market

• There was commotion as traders and residents fled for safety at the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday, September 8, 2025
• “OCHA Brigade” task force allegedly shot four people to death, including a pregnant woman, in the popular market
• The state Police public relations officers (PRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, shared more details about the tragic incident

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

Onitsha, Anambra state – Operatives of the Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade”, have killed four people, including a pregnant woman, in Onitsha Main Market.

The task force allegedly opened fire on the victims at the ever-busy axis of Emeka Offor Plaza on Tuesday, Tuesday, September 8, 2025.

The development has fueled widespread anger as traders and residents fled the scene for safety following outrage.

As reported by The Punch, an eyewitness, identified simply as Chinwendu, said the incident started when the OCHA Brigade forcefully ordered the traders to remove their wares after displaying their goods.

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The witness, who is also a trader in the market, added that:

“This led to some altercations between the traders and the operatives, and in the process of dragging the wares with the traders, the OCHA Brigade operatives opened fire and started shooting in the air.

“This led to pandemonium as people, including traders and passers-by, scampered to safety.

“This is heartbreaking. As a result of the shooting, four innocent people who left their homes this morning were shot by stray bullets. Among them is a pregnant woman and three others.

“Their lifeless bodies were later carried away by police operatives who arrived at the scene.”

The state Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the situation is under control and calm has returned to the market.

Ikenga said the police have received a report that some OCHA Brigade operatives, carrying out their functions, opened fire and killed the victims.

Trader dies after killing colleague in alleged ritual

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Recall that the trader, identified as ‘Dangote Group,’ killed his colleague in Anambra State, harvested his organs, and put his remains in a refrigerator.

The victim, Chinemerem, went out with ‘Dangote’ to recover N5000 owed him by the suspect when he was killed.

‘Dangote,’ suspected to be a member of a killer syndicate, swallowed a poisonous substance that killed him, possibly to stop him from naming his members.

Armed vigilantes beat female corps member

A viral video has shown members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group assaulting corps members in Anambra, leaving one victim beaten and stripped.

The operatives accused the NYSC members of being internet fraudsters despite their presentation of identification cards and uniforms.

Rights groups and Nigerians online are demanding an urgent investigation, justice for the victims, and stronger protection for corps members.

Source: Legit.ng