A wave of anger and grief has swept through Nnewi following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Chiamaka Okeke by a member of the state-backed Agụnechemba security outfit. The tragedy unfolded during Tuesday evening rush hour at the bustling Ibeto Junction when operatives allegedly began firing indiscriminately to clear traffic for their convoy. Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium as shoppers and commuters scrambled for safety amid the gunfire, with one bullet striking Okeke who collapsed instantly on the asphalt.
This marks the second civilian fatality linked to the security group in three weeks. Medical staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital confirmed the victim was dead on arrival with a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Anambra Police Command spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga acknowledged the incident, revealing Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu has ordered urgent identification of the shooter through vehicle tracking and team rostering. “We’re collaborating with Agụnechemba leadership to ensure the reckless operative faces the full wrath of the law,” Ikenga assured, even as protest murmurs grow louder across markets and transport unions.