Panic and chaos erupted in the Awada area of Onitsha, Anambra State, following a violent clash between the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), Agunechemba Squad, and local vigilante operatives. The incident, which allegedly led to the abduction of a female clerk and two vigilante members, has sparked outrage among residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the SASA and Agunechemba squads stormed the office of the Awada Central Landlords Association, destroying property worth millions of naira, including vehicles, motorcycles, and office equipment. The squads reportedly seized security gadgets, mobile phones, and a substantial sum of money belonging to the association.
The situation escalated when residents of Orsumoghu Street mistook the SASA operatives for kidnappers and confronted them. In the resulting chaos, the vigilante team attempted to intervene, only for the SASA squad to turn on them, leading to a violent confrontation.
The Chief Security Officer of the Awada Landlords Association, Uchechukwu Jude Ukachi, described the attack as a deliberate act of intimidation and extortion. He questioned why his office was targeted when the initial altercation had nothing to do with his team.
Residents claim SASA operatives frequently raid the area, harassing and extorting locals, sometimes demanding as much as ₦400,000 for the release of arrested individuals. The Vice Chairman of the Landlords Association, Chief Walter Ohiri, accused SASA of turning their operations into a money-making scheme rather than a crime-fighting mission.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stating that security forces have stepped in to restore order. He also assured that stakeholders would be engaged in a dialogue to prevent further conflicts.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as residents and security operatives brace for possible retaliatory attacks, with calls for urgent government intervention to address the escalating crisis.
