In the aftermath of the fatal shooting at the Ogbo-Ogu Pharmaceutical Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, has attributed the incident to the actions of traders who allegedly interfered with the official duties of the state’s Special Anti-touting Squad.
According to reports, operatives of the Anti-touting Squad had entered the market to apprehend individuals engaging in unauthorized activities, including urinating in restricted areas. However, chaos ensued when some traders reportedly launched acid attacks on the squad members, resulting in injuries to several officers.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Nwosu pointed fingers at the market leaders, accusing them of exacerbating the situation. He clarified that the operatives were responding to the presence of touts extorting money from transport operators and customers in the vicinity of the Niger Bridgehead area.
The commissioner emphasized that the market security personnel resorted to gunfire, leading to the unfortunate death of a young man. He refuted claims that the victim was shot for urinating, asserting that the SASA officials were not tasked with addressing such infractions.
Nwosu urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible face legal consequences. He also highlighted the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to maintain security and uphold the rule of law in Anambra State.
The statement concluded with a call for collective efforts to combat crime and uphold the state’s commitment to prosperity and livability, as championed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.