Onitsha head bridge incident: Anambra CP orders probe, promises to foot victims’ medical bills

Investigation into Onitsha Shooting Incident

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident at the Onitsha Head Bridge during an attempted arrest. The incident reportedly occurred during a confrontation between police operatives and suspects who allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries to several individuals.

Addressing a crowd in the area on Wednesday, the police commissioner stated that the immediate priority of the command is to ensure that those injured in the incident recover fully. He emphasized that the investigation would specifically scrutinize the events that led to the discharge of the firearm to ensure accountability.

Victim Support and Medical Care

Following the incident, CP Nnanna visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the command’s support. In a move to provide immediate relief, he pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses were covered by the command throughout their recovery process.

The commissioner stressed that the investigation would establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings. He reaffirmed that the command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human life and the rule of law. He further appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm and peaceful while the probe is underway.

Restoration of Public Order

Tension and disruptions to movement around the Head Bridge area have been brought under control, with traffic and human movement restored to normalcy. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement that the situation has been successfully de-escalated.

Traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area have been de-escalated, with free flow of vehicular and human movement now restored.

— SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command

He urged the public to allow the investigation to run its course, assuring that the command would act appropriately based on the outcome. The statement was issued on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command in Awka on August 19, 2026.