OBA, ANAMBRA STATE — Widespread panic and intense public outrage have gripped the Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State following the tragic shooting of an unidentified nursing mother on Friday evening.
The victim was reportedly killed by a stray bullet fired by operatives of “Udogachi” (Operation Udo Ga-Achi), a local security outfit established under the homeland security framework of Governor Charles Soludo.
The Incident
According to eyewitness accounts, the Udogachi security operatives were actively chasing a fleeing suspect through a crowded public area in the community. In an attempt to halt the suspect, members of the task force allegedly opened fire with live ammunition into the open space.
The victim, a nursing mother, was riding as a passenger on a commercial motorcycle (Okada) when a stray bullet struck her. Eyewitnesses state she collapsed from the motorcycle and died instantly at the scene before any medical help could arrive. The infant was reportedly not harmed physically during the incident but has been left without a mother.
Growing Community Anger
The incident has triggered a wave of condemnation from local residents, community leaders, and human rights advocates, many of whom took to social media to demand justice. Critics are strongly questioning the tactical training, operational discipline, and rules of engagement utilized by state-sponsored local vigilante groups when operating in civilian-heavy zones.
“This is a completely avoidable tragedy,” a local resident stated. “Opening fire in a crowded market area over a chase is the height of unprofessionalism. A child has now been left motherless.”
Government and Security Response
Neither the Anambra State Police Command nor the office of Governor Charles Soludo has released an official statement confirming the arrest or detention of the specific operatives involved. However, pressure is mounting rapidly on the state government to conduct a transparent investigation, disarm reckless operatives, and ensure the victim’s family receives justice.
This developing story will be updated as official statements from the authorities are released.
