Follow Us on Google
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Angry residents have set ablaze two Anambra State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) agents for allegedly causing the death of a bystander.
The incident occurred, yesterday, at Old Market Road, near Venn Road by Egerton Street, Onitsha. According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy unfolded when the agents, trying to collect money, reportedly struggled with a tipper driver, resulting loss of control and the killing of an innocent bystander.
In a spontaneous reaction, the residents, including tricycle operators, took law into their own hands, got hold of the victims and set them ablaze after a thorough beating.
The trending video of the sad incident has already gone viral, highlighting the growing frustration among residents over the conduct of revenue agents in the state. Residents said it had become a common practice for the revenue collection agents to use violent approach in enforcing compliance.
One of the eyewitnesses narrated: “Revenue collectors, numbering about six, were chasing the tipper driver over a certain amount they asked him to pay.
“In the process of dragging the steering with him, the tipper driver lost control and rammed into passers-by, killing him instantly.
“Following the tragedy, they tried to flee the scene, but the Onitsha mob descended on them and set ablaze two of them, while four others managed to escape. The identity of the victim is unknown.
“We cannot continue like this. These revenue touts have killed more Ndi Anambra than the non-state actors.”
The Anambra state police command, through its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.
He said the police had brought the situation under control.
“Anambra police responded swiftly on the receipt of the fatal accident that happened in that area.
“We are already working with the relevant authorities to ascertain what happened so as to forestall future occurrences,” Ikenga said.
