Breaking: Chaos and Fire at Onitsha Main Market — Eyewitness Reports & Official Responses
Panic gripped Onitsha Main Market earlier today after a violent confrontation between traders and operatives of the state-backed task force (the “OCHA Brigade”) reportedly escalated into gunfire and a subsequent fire that consumed parts of the market. Multiple local news outlets and eyewitnesses say several people were shot and that parts of the busy commercial hub were set ablaze. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What happened — sequence reported by witnesses and press
According to eyewitnesses and immediate press reports, operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade clashed with traders near the Emeka Offor Plaza axis of the Onitsha Main Market. Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation escalated quickly and that the operatives opened fire on traders and bystanders, creating panic and a stampede. The panic, in turn, is reported to have contributed to a fire breaking out in a nearby section of the market. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Casualties — reported numbers (at time of publication)
Several news outlets reporting from the scene say as many as four people were killed, including a pregnant woman. Other victims with gunshot wounds were said to have been evacuated to nearby hospitals. These casualty figures come from reports by local papers and eyewitness lists; official confirmation from the police or state government was still being awaited or was incomplete at the time of reporting. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Fire outbreak — extent and suspected cause
Separate coverage also describes a substantial blaze that gutted parts of the market (Kano Street / Emeka Offor Plaza area). Some sources say two blocks or several shops were affected with goods and property destroyed. Early reports link the fire to the chaos and stampede that followed the shooting, but investigators and official agencies had not yet released a definitive cause; other outlets referenced older, unrelated market fire incidents when providing background. Readers should treat cause-of-fire claims as preliminary until formal investigations conclude. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Names reported by outlets
One outlet publishing eyewitness-sourced names listed victims as Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, and Ifeoma Ezema (the latter reported to be the pregnant woman). Local reporters said two other people with gunshot wounds were receiving treatment in hospital. These names are reported by media present on the scene and have not yet been officially confirmed by the police in a final communique at the time of publication. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Official response & state reaction
Several local sites say the incident has generated urgent responses from security agencies and political figures. Some government accounts and social media posts from officials expressed concern, called for calm, and said investigations would follow. Journalists at the scene reported that normalcy was later restored after a heavy security presence, but tensions remain high. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Image gallery & photo credits
The images below were used in the initial coverage by local news platforms. If you republish any image, please follow the original outlet’s licensing/credit rules and, when possible, link to the original article.
What’s next — investigations and how to help
Authorities were reported to be opening investigations into both the shooting and the fire. Local emergency services and hospitals are dealing with wounded persons. If you are nearby and wish to assist victims, follow verified announcements from local disaster response teams, the Anambra State government, and reputable NGOs — avoid spreading unverified casualty lists on social media while families are being informed. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Report compiled from: The Guardian (Onitsha coverage), Legit.ng, ForefrontNG, Tribune Online, and scene photo feeds used in those reports. Please note: accounts differed on some details; numbers above reflect what multiple outlets reported at the time of writing. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
