Pandemonium in Onitsha Head Bridge as Police Allegedly Shoot Trader over N5,000 Bribe
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka There was pandemonium in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday at the River Niger Head Bridge, after a policeman allegedly pulled the trigger on a trader over an argument
Pandemonium erupted at the Onitsha River Niger Head Bridge in Anambra State after a police officer allegedly shot a trader over a purported N5,000 bribe. The trader was reportedly pushing pharmaceutical products in a wheelbarrow to a motor park when the incident occurred. The shooting caused traders to block the road, leading to severe traffic congestion.
The State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, arrived at the scene to address the outraged traders, emphasizing the priority of the Command in ensuring the victim's full recovery. The Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the incident arose from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries to the suspect.
Ikenga stated that CP Nnanna visited the victims at the hospital, promised support, and pledged to personally ensure their medical expenses were covered. A thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident will be conducted, aiming to establish facts and ensure appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
CP Nnanna appealed for public calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful while the investigation proceeds, reaffirming the Command's commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life, and the rule of law. Traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area have since been resolved, allowing free flow of vehicular and human movement in the area.
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