Mob violence: Two revenue collectors set ablaze in Anambra

Anambra has experienced mob violence as two revenue collectors who are yet to be identified were set ablaze by angry mob.

According to sources, the revenue collectors were pursuing one tipper driver in an attempt to collect a payment, which ultimately led to the driver losing control and colliding with a pedestrian at Old Market Road along Venn Road by Egerton Bus Stop in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, led to confusion among motorists and pedestrians, resulting in gridlock that affected traffic flow in the area.

Eyewitnesses near the scene described how the tipper driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a bystander, which occurred as revenue collectors were attempting to gain control of the vehicle’s steering wheel.

A source revealed “an angry mob in Onitsha attacked a group of revenue agents, setting two of them ablaze, while four others managed to escape the violent scene.”

“About six revenue collectors were chasing the tipper driver, wanting him to pay up the money they were asking for.”

“As they chased him, some revenue collectors tried to grab the steering wheel, but the tipper driver ended up losing control and hitting a passerby, who died on the spot.

“The revenue collectors took off when they saw what had happened, but the Onitsha mob caught up with them, burning two of them and letting four others get away

“This is getting out of hand! In the past two years, we’ve seen too many deaths in Anambra. The latest victim was someone we knew. We can’t keep going like this. These state government revenue agents are killing more of our own people than anyone else.”

Another trader in the area said, “things got heated in Onitsha this morning near Old Market Road. Revenue agents were trying to grab the steering wheel from a tipper driver because he wouldn’t bribe them, and the vehicle ended up hitting an innocent guy.”

“After seeing what they had done, the revenue agents tried to make a run for it. But the crowd was furious and chased them down, catching two and taking violent revenge.

The Chairman of Tipper’s association, Mr. Ebuka Unekwe, confirmed the news and complained that revenue collectors have been a thorn in the side of tipper drivers for the past two years.

The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating that the police had responded promptly to restore order to the area.

Ikenga said, “Anambra Police quickly responded to the fatal accident in the area.”

“We’re working with the authorities to figure out what happened and find a way to prevent it from happening again.”

Know about Anambra

Anambra State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is a vibrant and diverse state with a rich cultural heritage.

With its capital in Awka, the state boasts 21 Local Government Areas and a tropical climate. Anambra is renowned for its agricultural production, industrial growth, and commercial activities, with notable markets like the Onitsha Main Market.

The state is also home to several universities, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, as well as hospitals like the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital and the Onitsha General Hospital. Tourist attractions include the Ogbunike Caves, the Agulu Lake, and the Awka Museum.

Anambra State has produced notable figures like Peter Obi, a former governor and vice presidential candidate, Chris Ngige, a former governor and current Minister of Labour and Employment, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a former Governor of the Eastern Region and leader of the Biafran separatist movement.

Despite facing security challenges, Anambra continues to experience economic growth and infrastructure development, solidifying its position as a major player in Nigeria’s economy.

The state government has invested in infrastructure development, including road construction and bridge building, and has implemented initiatives to promote economic growth and development.

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