Onitsha boils as police shoot trader over N5, 000 bribe

Protesting traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market disrupted businesses and traffic flow for hours, yesterday, following the shooting of an apprentice trader by a trigger-happy policeman over alleged resistance to part with bribe money.

Though the allegation could not be immediately verified, sources said the man was conveying some pharmaceutical products to a motor park, in an attempt to waybill them to a customer, when he was accosted by some policemen who allegedly target traders at the Ogbogwu drug market for arrest and settlement. In an ensuing scuffle, the policeman allegedly shot at the trader.

The shooting caused traders to block the road in protest, causing a huge traffic gridlock, while the policeman who carried out the act was said to have quickly disappeared.

Meanwhile, the newly posted Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Oji Ama, mobilised to the scene, where he addressed aggrieved traders. He said the incident arose from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stating that the immediate priority of the command was to ensure that the victim recovers fully.

The spokesperson of the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident occurred when a suspect allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries.

Ikenga said: “The Commissioner of Police, subsequently, visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.

“CP Nnanna further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm. He stressed that the investigation will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.”

He appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course. He also reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life, and the rule of law.