A police shooting at Onitsha’s River Niger Head Bridge triggered protests and a major traffic gridlock on Wednesday after a confrontation involving a trader and a police officer.
The incident reportedly began after an argument over an alleged ₦5,000 bribe, although the allegation could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Sources said the trader was transporting pharmaceutical products in a wheelbarrow to a nearby motor park, reportedly intending to send the goods to a customer, when the confrontation occurred.
The situation escalated after a firearm was discharged, leaving the trader injured.
Traders block road in protest
News of the shooting quickly spread through the area, prompting angry traders to block the road in protest.
The resulting disruption caused severe congestion around the Head Bridge, bringing traffic and pedestrian movement to a standstill for a period.
The police officer alleged to have fired the shot reportedly left the area shortly after the incident.
Police commissioner visits scene
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, responded to the situation and visited the area, where he met with and addressed the protesting traders.
The police command presented a different account of what led to the shooting.
According to the command, the incident occurred during an attempted arrest after a suspect allegedly resisted police officers.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the confrontation resulted in gunshot injuries.
Police promise investigation
Ikenga said the commissioner later visited the injured victims at the hospital and assured them of the command’s support.
The commissioner also reportedly promised that their medical expenses would be covered.
More importantly, Oji Ama ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, with particular attention to the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm.
The investigation is expected to establish what happened before the shooting and determine whether any police officer acted improperly.
Call for calm
The police command appealed to traders and other residents to remain calm while the investigation continues.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing, accountability, respect for human life and adherence to the rule of law.
The conflicting accounts surrounding the incident make the investigation particularly important. Establishing the facts will be necessary to determine whether the shooting occurred during a legitimate attempt to arrest a suspect or followed an unrelated confrontation.
Traffic restored
As of the time of filing, the disruption around the River Niger Head Bridge had been brought under control.
Vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area had returned to normal, bringing an end to the immediate crisis.
The focus now shifts to the police investigation and whether its findings will provide a clear account of what triggered the confrontation and led to the firearm being discharged.