ONITSHA, ANAMBRA — Tension erupted at the River Niger Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a trader was allegedly shot by a police officer following a dispute reportedly linked to an alleged ₦5,000 bribe.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, reportedly sparked protests among traders, forcing them to block the busy bridge and causing a major traffic gridlock in the area.
Sources said the trader was transporting pharmaceutical products in a wheelbarrow to a motor park, where he intended to waybill the goods to a customer, when the confrontation occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
However, the police gave a different account of the incident, saying the shooting occurred during an attempted arrest after a suspect allegedly resisted arrest.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, reportedly mobilised to the scene and addressed the aggrieved traders, assuring them that the immediate priority of the Command was the recovery of the injured victim.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner later visited the victims at the hospital and assured them of the Command's support.
According to Ikenga, the Commissioner also pledged to personally ensure that the victims' medical expenses were covered.
Ama subsequently ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, particularly the circumstances that led to the discharge of the firearm.
The police said the investigation would establish the facts and determine appropriate action based on its findings.
The Commissioner appealed to the traders and other residents to remain calm and peaceful while the investigation is ongoing.
He also reaffirmed the Command's commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the protest-induced gridlock around the Head Bridge has reportedly been cleared, with normal vehicular and pedestrian movement restored.
The incident has, however, renewed concerns over alleged extortion and the conduct of security personnel at checkpoints and major commercial routes, even as the police investigation is expected to establish what actually transpired