There was tension at the River Niger Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday after police officers shot two traders during an attempted arrest.
The shooting triggered a protest by traders, who blocked parts of the road and disrupted human and vehicular movement in the area.
Witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred when police officers approached some traders to arrest them. The traders reportedly resisted.
One of the victims, an apprentice at Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Market, was reportedly carrying cartons of pharmaceutical products to a vehicle when the officers approached him.
“They interrogated them and subsequently tried to arrest them, but they refused to be arrested. So, the policemen shot them on their legs,” a witness, who requested anonymity, said.
The witness said one of the injured traders became unconscious after the shooting, prompting people nearby to take both victims to a hospital.
“After that, many people came out to protest because some people thought the unconscious man had died,” the witness said.
Videos from the scene showed angry traders burning tyres and protesting the shooting.
Police commissioner orders investigation
The Anambra State Police Command later said the incident followed a confrontation during an attempted arrest, which resulted in gunshot injuries.
The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, visited the scene and spoke with the protesting traders.
Mr Ikenga said the commissioner also visited the injured traders at the hospital and promised that the police command would cover their medical expenses.
“The commissioner further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm,” Mr Ikenga said.
He added that the investigation would determine what happened and guide further action.
The commissioner appealed to the traders and other residents to remain calm while the investigation continues.
Mr Ikenga said the command remained committed to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.
He also said vehicular and human movement around the Head Bridge area had returned to normal after the protest was brought under control.
