Residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, have reacted violently to the actions of alleged revenue collectors, setting two of them ablaze following a fatal accident. The incident, which occurred at Old Market Road, reportedly began when revenue agents clashed with a tipper driver, leading to the death of a bystander.
According to witnesses, the revenue agents were allegedly dragging the steering wheel of the driver’s vehicle in an attempt to enforce payment. This caused the driver to lose control, hitting and killing the bystander instantly.
As the agents attempted to flee the scene, an angry mob, including tricycle operators, intercepted them. Two of the agents were caught and set ablaze, while four others managed to escape.
“This was one death too many,” a witness stated. “The activities of these so-called revenue agents have gone unchecked, and this has resulted in multiple casualties over the years. People are fed up.”
Eyewitnesses claimed that the actions of these agents, often described as violent and exploitative, have been a long-standing issue in the state.
The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and said the situation had been brought under control.
“We acted swiftly upon receiving the report,” Ikenga said. “The police are collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
A video circulating on social media shows the mob assaulting the agents before setting them ablaze.
A government source, however, denied that the individuals involved were official revenue agents, claiming they were impostors tarnishing the government’s image.
“Governor Chukwuma Soludo is committed to the development of the state, but some individuals are trying to sabotage his efforts and paint him in a bad light,” the source said.
The spokesman added that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the incident and to address the concerns of residents.
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