Three people are feared dead, and many more were injured when a violent confrontation erupted between alleged Anambra State revenue agents and a mob of angry residents in Onitsha.
The incident took place at Old Market Road, near Venn Road North, in the bustling commercial city of Onitsha.
Trouble began when a tipper truck, being chased by revenue agents demanding payment, lost control and veered off the road. The truck tragically hit and killed a pedestrian, sparking outrage among onlookers.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Mr. Jackson, said the situation quickly escalated.
“These so-called revenue agents are nothing but touts terrorizing everyone who drives through here,” Jackson said, describing the chaotic scene.
He went on to explain that, as the revenue officials pursued the truck, some agents jumped into the driver’s seat and fought with the driver, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The truck then struck a pedestrian, killing him instantly.
In a fit of anger, bystanders, mostly youths, formed a mob and attacked the revenue officials with sticks, stones, and other objects.
“The mob caught two of the agents and killed them in retaliation,” Jackson added.
Police arrived on the scene after being tipped off, removing the bodies of the dead officials and rushing the injured to an undisclosed hospital.
The situation has sparked further unrest in Onitsha, with residents now reportedly hunting down the revenue agents, who they say have been making life difficult for local motorists and pedestrians alike.
Police and Local Authorities Respond
The Onitsha Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nzota Chidi, confirmed the incident but expressed frustration over the ongoing violence.
Chidi, who has been working tirelessly to calm the situation in Onitsha, lamented that his efforts to warn and counsel revenue agents had fallen on deaf ears.
“I have been warning these agents, but they continue their aggressive tactics,” he said. “Now, the residents have revolted.”
Chidi explained that the situation in the area had been tense for some time, and he had been holding meetings with local groups and stakeholders to prevent such violence.
“I have been working on this for over a month now, but it seems my efforts are not enough,” he added. “I am here to calm things down, but it’s difficult when the situation gets out of hand like this.”
Chidi was unable to provide full details about the number of casualties but confirmed that only one pedestrian, hit by the tipper, had died. He also stated that two revenue agents were severely injured and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Community Reacts to the Tragedy
The violent altercation has sent shockwaves through Onitsha, a city known for its vibrant trade and commerce. For years, residents have complained about the behavior of some revenue agents, who are accused of harassment, extortion, and violent tactics to collect money from drivers and traders.
“They terrorize motorists on a daily basis,” Jackson said, adding that the agents’ actions had pushed the local residents to a breaking point.
The situation in Onitsha has become a flashpoint for anger and frustration, with many residents demanding that the authorities take action to end the reign of terror by rogue revenue collectors.
Local businesses, which are vital to the city’s economy, have also been affected by the tension, as many fear the escalating violence could deter customers and harm their livelihoods.
“We want peace,” said a local business owner. “These touts are ruining everything for us. We need to be able to go about our daily activities without fear.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at the Central Police Station in Onitsha, CSP Nnamdi Anabike, also confirmed the incident. He clarified that only the pedestrian who was hit by the tipper truck had died.
“Unfortunately, the man who was hit by the truck has died,” Anabike said. “But I can confirm that no other person has been killed at this time.”
Anabike added that the police were continuing their investigation into the cause of the clash, and efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining revenue agents involved in the incident.
“We are doing our best to ensure justice is served,” he said.
