On Friday, a furious mob in Anambra State set fire to two men identified as revenue agents working for the state government after they were involved in an incident that led to an innocent bystander’s death.
The incident occurred on Old Market Road near Venn Road by Egerton in Onitsha, where a tipper driver lost control of his vehicle.
Reports suggest that the revenue agents were clinging to the vehicle’s steering wheel during a chase over an alleged payment dispute, ultimately causing the driver to crash into a passerby, killing him instantly.
A distressing video circulating online captured the mob violently attacking the two revenue agents before setting them ablaze. A bystander who recorded the incident said, “There was chaos in Onitsha this morning as an angry mob set fire to two revenue touts. Four others managed to escape.”
According to eyewitness accounts, approximately six revenue collectors were pursuing the tipper driver for a fee when the tragic accident occurred. “As they chased him, they were dragging the steering wheel with him, and unfortunately, he lost control, killing an innocent bystander,” the witness explained. “When the revenue agents realized what had happened, they tried to flee, but the mob was infuriated and quickly caught two of them.”
The witness emphasized the alarming trend of violence in Anambra, stating, “This is one death too many.
The person who was killed was well-known. We cannot continue like this. These revenue touts have caused more harm to Ndi Anambra than external threats.”
Another trader described the scene as “heated,” recounting that the revenue agents were clinging to the tipper truck because the driver refused to pay a bribe, which resulted in the fatal accident. “Seeing the consequences of their reckless actions, they attempted to escape, but the enraged crowd chased and captured two of them,” he noted.
Videos of the charred bodies of the revenue agents have been circulating on social media, corroborating eyewitness accounts.
In response to the incident, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed that the police quickly intervened to stabilize the situation.
He stated, “Anambra Police acted swiftly upon learning of the fatal accident in that area. We are currently working with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. I will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
