Two Shot During Police Arrest Attempt At Onitsha Head Bridge

Two people were shot on Wednesday during an attempted police arrest around the River Niger Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, triggering panic and disrupting movement in the area.

The incident happened around the busy Bridge Head/Ogbogwu Market axis. Punch reported that the confrontation caused gridlock along the Onitsha-Awka Expressway, while Vanguard reported that movement between Onitsha and Asaba was affected for several hours.

The Anambra State Police Command said the shooting occurred after suspects allegedly resisted arrest. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji, visited the injured persons in hospital and promised that their medical bills would be covered.

Vanguard reported that the victims were said to be loaders at Ogbogwu Market Junction and were carrying cartons of goods when police officers questioned them. The police account said the matter arose from a confrontation during an attempted arrest.

The command appealed for calm and said traffic and movement around the Head Bridge area had been restored. It also said it remained committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for human life while the matter is investigated.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard