Two Injured as Police Try to Arrest Suspects in Anambra

Two people were shot on Wednesday during a police attempt to arrest suspects at the River Niger Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State. The shooting caused panic and stopped traffic for cars and pedestrians in the area.

The incident happened around noon and led to a traffic jam on the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway. Reports say a clash broke out between the police and some hoodlums during the arrest.

Eyewitnesses near the scene said the victims were shot during the fight and became unconscious. They were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

One eyewitness said, “The incident occurred this afternoon. It arose from a confrontation between the police officers and the victims. They were stopped by the officers for questioning. When the police tried to arrest them, they resisted, and the police fired shots at them.

“The incident caused heavy tension around the Bridgehead Market as people ran for safety. The area was chaotic until another police team arrived. The victims were later taken to a nearby hospital.”

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident. He said it happened when the suspects allegedly resisted arrest, leading to the gunshot injuries.

Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, visited the scene and spoke to the crowd. He also mentioned that an investigation has started to find out what really happened during the arrest attempt.

According to Ikenga, the CP later went to the hospital to see the victims. He promised them that the police command would support them and cover their medical bills.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, while addressing the crowd in Onitsha about the incident during the arrest, stated that the priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.

“The incident happened when the suspects resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. The Commissioner of Police visited the victims at the hospital and assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to cover their medical expenses.

“The CP also ordered a thorough and fair investigation into what happened, especially regarding the use of firearms.

“He stressed that the investigation will find out the facts and ensure proper actions based on what is discovered.

“The Commissioner of Police called for calm and urged the public to remain peaceful while the investigation is ongoing.”

Ikenga repeated the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human life and the law.

“Meanwhile, traffic and pedestrian movement around the Head Bridge area are back to normal, with free flow of vehicles and people restored,” he added.