The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the horrific killing of four persons, including a pregnant woman, by operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) during a violent face-off with traders at the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
AbaCityBlog reports that the incident which took place on Tuesday, 9th of September, 2025 caused unrest as residents took to the street to protest against the horrific killing.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, FENRAD, while describing the incident as unjustifiable, said the disturbing event is not an isolated case but part of a growing pattern of rampant bloodletting in Anambra State, often carried out in the name of enforcement, order, or environmental sanitation.
“FENRAD views this trend with grave concern, as it reflects a dangerous normalization of state-sanctioned violence and extrajudicial executions, particularly against unarmed civilians and vulnerable populations,” FENRAD said in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor.
According to credible reports and eyewitness testimonies, the altercation began when traders resisted what they described as aggressive and unlawful actions by OCHA operatives. The escalation led to a tragic loss of lives — a horrifying outcome that underscores the brutality, impunity, and lack of accountability that has come to characterize the operations of some state agencies.
“While FENRAD supports efforts aimed at maintaining cleanliness and urban order, we strongly assert that such enforcement must always be lawful, humane, and respectful of human dignity. The use of excessive force, intimidation, or lethal violence in public spaces — particularly commercial hubs like Onitsha Main Market — is not only unlawful but also counterproductive,” parts of the statement read.
“We are deeply alarmed that the bloodletting in Anambra has become rampant, with security and enforcement operatives repeatedly using disproportionate force against civilians, often with little or no consequences. This points to a systemic failure in oversight, regulation, and the protection of basic human rights in the state.
FENRAD demands
1. Immediate suspension and prosecution of all OCHA Brigade operatives involved in the Onitsha killings.
2. An independent, transparent investigation into the operations and human rights compliance of the OCHA Brigade.
3. Public apology and adequate compensation for the families of the victims, including the family of the deceased pregnant woman and her unborn child.
4. A comprehensive review of enforcement protocols across Anambra State to ensure adherence to the rule of law and human rights standards.
5. Urgent intervention by the Anambra State Government to halt the cycle of violence and restore public confidence in state institutions.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with the affected communities. FENRAD calls on Governor Charles Soludo to act decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that never again will innocent blood be shed in the name of enforcement.
