The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Anambra State has strongly condemned the alleged killing of a trader at the Patent Pharmaceuticals Market in Onitsha by the state Anti-Touts Squad. According to the Chairman and Secretary of CLO, Vincent Ezekwueme and Chidi Mbah, respectively, the incident was described as “barbaric, insensate, inhumane, and despicable.”
The chaotic incident unfolded when the anti-touts squad reportedly fired indiscriminately in the market while attempting to apprehend an individual who had allegedly urinated in a restricted area and sought refuge within the market. The ensuing panic led to traders fleeing for safety, resulting in the destruction and looting of goods and property.
The state Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, attributed the fatal shooting to the traders, accusing them of interfering with the official duties of the state Special Anti-touting Squad. However, the CLO officials vehemently criticized the action, stating, “If those saddled with the responsibility of protecting, serving, and caring for the citizenry become a threat, nightmare, and problem to the citizens, the future will be very bleak and unbearable.”
The CLO called for a thorough and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that the perpetrators face legal consequences. The organization urged the state government to take immediate measures to address the matter and cautioned various task forces and agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The group expressed condolences to the family of the victim and called for justice, emphasizing the need for the prompt prosecution of those responsible for the alleged killing. In response, the Public Relations Officer of the state Special Anti-Touting Squad denied any involvement in the killing, stating that their operatives were on a routine assignment to rid the Niger Bridgehead area of touts extorting money. The PRO claimed that the traders attacked the squad members with acid, leading to injuries that required medical attention.
