On Friday, November 22, tragedy struck in Onitsha, Anambra State, as an irate mob set ablaze two individuals identified as revenue collectors working with the Anambra State government.
The violent incident occurred at Old Market Road near Venn Road by Egerton, following the death of an innocent bystander.
The incident unfolded when a tipper driver, allegedly being harassed by the revenue agents, lost control of his vehicle and fatally struck a passerby.
Eyewitnesses reported that the revenue agents had been physically grappling with the driver over his steering wheel, leading to the tragic crash.
A viral video captured the aftermath, showing two of the revenue collectors being beaten by the mob before being set on fire.
A man narrating the video explained, “Chaos erupted in Onitsha this morning when two revenue agents were burned by an angry mob, while four others managed to escape. These agents were chasing a tipper driver, demanding money from him. While dragging the steering, they caused the driver to lose control and hit a passerby, killing him instantly. The mob then turned on them.”
Another eyewitness, a local trader, confirmed the events: “At Egerton by Old Market Road, the revenue agents were forcing the tipper driver to pay a bribe. In the struggle, the vehicle ran over an innocent man. When they saw the result of their reckless actions, they tried to flee, but the mob caught two of them.”
The horrifying incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many decrying the reckless actions of some revenue agents in the state. Videos of the charred remains of the two agents have gone viral on social media, prompting calls for accountability and justice.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and stated that the police quickly intervened to restore order.
He said, “The Anambra Police responded swiftly to the fatal accident. We are working with relevant authorities to investigate the situation and prevent future occurrences. Updates will be provided as more facts emerge.”
