Onitsha Shooting: Anambra Police Chief Summons Commanders, DPOs
By AMAKA OHAFIAH
THE Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has summoned the area commander and all divisional police officers serving in Onitsha following the shooting of two traders at the River Niger Head Bridge Market.
The meeting followed Wednesday’s incident, which triggered public uproar in the commercial city.
Police operatives reportedly attempted to arrest the traders at the market. However, the traders resisted, and the situation escalated into a shooting.
Police authorities have not indicated that the officers involved acted with approval or in line with professional policing standards.
In response, the commissioner summoned the area commander and the DPOs for what the police described as a high-level supervisory meeting.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday.
According to him, the meeting forms part of the command’s effort to strengthen supervision, accountability and professionalism, especially in Onitsha.
The commissioner directed the DPOs to give detailed reports on security and policing activities within their areas.
He also asked them to explain the measures they have put in place to prevent and address misconduct by officers under their command.
Ama warned that the command would discipline any officer who abuses police powers or acts outside the standards set by the Nigeria Police Force.
He stressed that the command would not tolerate conduct that could weaken public trust in the police.
Furthermore, the commissioner directed the DPOs to improve internal supervision and maintain stronger command and control over personnel.
He also told them to enforce professional standards and respond promptly to legitimate complaints from residents, traders and business owners.
The police chief assured Onitsha residents that the command remained committed to professional and accountable policing.
He also encouraged members of the public to report security concerns and genuine complaints through official channels, including the commissioner’s dedicated telephone line.
According to the command, it will investigate every credible complaint and take appropriate action where necessary.
The shooting incident has now placed fresh attention on police conduct in Onitsha, one of Anambra State’s busiest commercial centres.
