Two members of the Anambra State-supported security outfit, Agunechemba, have been taken into custody following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy during an operation near Biafra Market in Onitsha.
The incident, which took place on Thursday at Ifejike Street by Sokoto Road in Onitsha South Local Government Area, sparked outrage among residents and traders who confronted the security personnel over the shooting.
Reports indicate that the victim was sitting on a culvert near the Nwangene Drainage when he was struck by a stray bullet. The Agunechemba operatives were reportedly firing their weapons while pursuing a suspect.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the security agents tried to escape in their patrol vehicle, but were stopped by a crowd of angry onlookers who demanded they not leave the boy’s body behind.
One eyewitness stated, “The boy was just sitting on the culvert, likely on his way to the toilet, when he was hit. The operatives initially tried to drive off, but the crowd blocked them. After some pressure, they carried the boy’s body away.”
In a widely shared video online, two operatives were seen lifting the boy’s lifeless body into a white van bearing the security group’s marking: ANSG 0060.
Agụnechemba, along with another outfit Udo-ga-Chi, was introduced by the Anambra State Government in March to bolster efforts by the police and other security agencies in tackling crime. However, concerns have been raised over the behaviour of some of the operatives.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said two individuals had been arrested and handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka.
He said, “Police operatives attached to the Onitsha Main Market Division, with support from traders, arrested two suspects involved in the killing of a 17-year-old boy and recovered one pump-action rifle.
“Eyewitnesses said the suspects, identified as security operatives, were attempting to arrest someone when they began shooting indiscriminately, and the boy was hit.”
Ikenga added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikoiye Orutugu, had strongly condemned the incident and ordered a comprehensive investigation.
He said the CP had directed that the suspects be transferred immediately for detailed questioning and to face appropriate disciplinary action.
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