By Karen James
The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) has strongly refuted reports circulating on social media and blogs alleging that its operatives were behind the recent shooting at the Onitsha Main Market, Emeka Offor Plaza axis.
In a statement on Tuesday, the agency clarified that none of its operatives were involved in the incident, describing the claims as “deliberate falsehoods.” According to findings by Pechilly Investigative, the violence was traced to hoodlums who exploited the situation to unleash chaos and panic among traders and customers.
“Our enforcement exercises follow strict procedures and are carried out under lawful supervision. At no time did the Managing Director, Mr. Celestine Anere, confirm that OCHA operatives fired at market people. The reports being spread by bloggers are misleading and unfounded,” the statement read.
The OCHA Brigade stressed that it remains committed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a clean, orderly, and livable Anambra State. It reiterated that its duties are limited to clearing illegal structures, decongesting roads, and enforcing environmental sanitation — not acts of violence.
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The agency urged the public to disregard the misleading reports, while assuring that security agencies have been directed to investigate and bring the perpetrators of the shooting to justice.
“We will continue to enforce discipline and order within the framework of the law, working with traders, residents, and security agencies to ensure peace and safety in our markets and communities,” it concluded.
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