Pandemonium in Onitsha as violence spreads

PUNCH-There is confusion and chaos in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, where some youths have gone on the rampage in reaction to the alleged killing of a traffic personnel by occupants of an articulated vehicle....Continue.....

The part of Onitsha affected by this violence is the Upper Iweka – Headbridge axis. Reports had it that the traffic personnel of the Anambra State Transport Agency had jumped into the articulated vehicle at Ihiala, 65km away, for checks.

But the driver had zoomed off with him. They were however stopped at the Onitsha headbridge where the traffic officer was alleged to have been found dead in the vehicle.

In another part of the city, traders of the Mgbuka Market blocked the Onithsa-Owerri expressway to protest the alleged high-handedness of their leaders. They said their market has not been opened since they returned from the Christmas break.

Though the police and army have deployed their men to take charge of the situation, many people, particularly those from northern communities have been leaving the city in droves to the neighbouring Asaba in Delta State and the army barracks in Onitsha.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, however said nobody was killed in the incidents. He said the police have been able to bring everything under control.