“Anambra Anti-Touting Agency: A Clash with Onitsha Traders”

The Special Anambra Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) has reported a violent clash with traders at the pharmaceutical market in Onitsha.

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, involved an acid attack on SASA operatives and the tragic death of a youth.

The SASA, established by the Anambra State Government, aims to enforce a law banning touting and the collection of revenue by unauthorized individuals.

The agency’s efforts were met with resistance when they attempted to apprehend a tout at the Niger Bridge Head.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra Vigilant Group, Mr. Nweke, the situation escalated when the market traders launched a massive acid attack on the SASA operatives.

Four of the seven-man team sustained life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The incident took a tragic turn when a young man, said to be a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was shot dead in the market.

The Nigerian Navy was eventually called in to control the situation.

In the aftermath, a video of the incident began circulating on social media.

Instead of condemning the violence, some commentators have portrayed the victims as villains, further exacerbating the issue.

Critics of the anti-touting agency argue that the SASA officials were targeting individuals who were merely urinating in the market, a claim that has been refuted by the agency.

SASA officials are not part of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade, nor are they responsible for sanitary or environmental issues.

This incident raises questions about the role of private sectors, such as markets and motor parks, in the fight against crime and the overall effort to make Anambra a prosperous state.

The protection of a suspected law violator by a legitimate market has been deemed unacceptable by the government.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both the anti-touting agency and the market leaders to find common ground in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to the state.