Tragedy In Onitsha As Security Operatives’ Stray Bullet Kills Teenager.
A wave of grief and outrage has swept through Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State following the tragic death of a 17-year-old boy, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by operatives of the state-backed Agunechemba security outfit. The incident, which occurred on Thursday at Ifejike Street near the bustling Biafra Market, has prompted the arrest of two operatives and sparked calls for justice from residents and traders.
According to eyewitness accounts, the teenager was sitting on a culvert near the Nwangene Drainage, possibly en route to a nearby toilet, when he was hit by a bullet during a chaotic operation. The Agunechemba operatives were reportedly pursuing a fleeing suspect and fired shots indiscriminately, one of which struck the innocent boy. The operatives attempted to leave the scene in their vehicle, marked with the operation number ANSG 0060, but were confronted by an angry crowd of traders and residents who demanded they take responsibility for the boy’s body.
The Anambra State Police Command acted swiftly, arresting two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting. A pump-action rifle was recovered, and the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a thorough investigation. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests, stating, “Police operatives, with support from traders, apprehended two individuals involved in the killing of a 17-year-old boy. Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects, identified as security operatives, were attempting to arrest someone when they began shooting indiscriminately, and a bullet tragically hit the boy.”
Commissioner of Police CP Ikoiye Orutugu condemned the operatives’ “unprofessional and avoidable behaviour” and vowed that the investigation would be comprehensive. The Anambra State Government established the Agunechemba and Udo-ga-Chi security units in March to bolster efforts against crime, but this incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct of some operatives.
Tensions remain high in Onitsha, with traders and residents demanding accountability. One eyewitness lamented, “The boy was just sitting there, minding his own business, when he was shot. This kind of recklessness must stop.” The incident has underscored the need for stricter oversight and training for security outfits operating in densely populated areas.
As investigations continue, the police have urged the public to remain calm and provide any information that could aid in delivering justice for the slain teenager. The Anambra State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out unprofessional conduct and ensuring the safety of all residents.
