Two Revenue Collectors Set Ablaze In Onitsha
Two unidentified revenue collectors from the Anambra State Government were set ablaze by an enraged mob after their actions led to a fatal accident in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The incident occurred at the Old Market Road near Venn Road, Egerton Bus Stop, on Friday, causing widespread confusion and traffic gridlock.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tipper driver, who was being pursued by the revenue touts over an unpaid fee, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a bystander, killing him instantly.
According to witnesses, the revenue collectors were chasing the driver when they attempted to drag the steering wheel from him.
One source said, “There was chaos in Onitsha as an angry mob set ablaze about two revenue touts, while four others were lucky as they managed to escape. The revenue collectors, numbering about six, were chasing the tipper driver over a certain amount they asked him to pay.
“As they were chasing him, some of them were dragging the steering with him, but unfortunately, in the process, the tipper driver lost control and rammed into a passerby, killing him instantly.
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“Immediately, the revenue collectors saw the damage they had caused; they tried to flee the scene, but the Onitsha mob got angry and descended on them, setting ablaze two of them instantly, while four of them managed to escape.
“This is one death too many that has been going on in Anambra in the last two years. The person who the tipper driver rammed into was a known person. We cannot continue like this anymore. These revenue touts of the state government have killed more Ndi Anambra than non-state actors.”
Another source, a trader in the area, also shared, “Onitsha was hot this morning at Egerton by Old Market Road. Revenue men were dragging the steering with a tipper driver because he refused to bribe them, and in the process, the vehicle ran over an innocent man.
“Then, seeing the result of their stupid action, they tried to run away. But the angry people chased and caught two of them and set them on fire.”
Ebuka Unekwe, Chairman of the association, also verified the incident, expressing concern about the persistent harassment of tipper drivers by revenue collectors over the past two years.
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Saturday and stated that police were quick to respond and restore order.
He said, “Anambra Police responded swiftly on the receipt of the fatal accident that happened within that area. We are already working with the relevant authorities to ascertain what happened and find an amicable solution to such, especially on future occurrences.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
