Two operatives from Agunechemba, a security outfit backed by the Anambra State government, have been taken into custody following the alleged fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy during a security operation at the Biafra Market in Onitsha.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns about the use of force by security personnel and the need for accountability in their operations.
According to Punch reports, the tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday at Ifejike Street by Sokoto Road in Onitsha South Local Government Area, caused panic as traders and residents confronted the operatives over the killing.
It was gathered that the victim was sitting on a culvert near the Nwangene Drainage when he was struck by a stray bullet fired by the Agunechemba men, who were shooting sporadically while chasing a fleeing suspect.
Eyewitnesses said the operatives attempted to flee in their operational vehicle, but were stopped by angry residents and traders, who insisted they must not abandon the boy’s corpse.
One of the witnesses said, “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 video circulating online, two of the operatives were seen carrying the lifeless boy into the back of a white security van marked ANSG 0060.
The Anambra State Government had launched the Agụnechemba and Udo-ga-Chi security groups in March this year to support police and other security agencies in fighting crime.
