An angry mob in Onitsha, Anambra State, set two alleged revenue agents on fire after they reportedly caused the death of an innocent passerby.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred along Old Market Road near Venn Road and Egerton. The revenue agents were said to be struggling with a tipper driver over his steering wheel when the vehicle lost control, striking and killing a bystander instantly.
“While chasing the driver, some of them grabbed the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control and hit a passerby, who died on the spot,” a witness recounted.
Following the fatal accident, the agents attempted to flee, but an enraged mob apprehended two of them and set them ablaze. Four others reportedly escaped.
A trader in the area explained, “The revenue men were demanding a bribe from the driver. When he refused, they dragged the steering, resulting in the crash. After realizing the damage, they tried to escape, but the crowd caught two of them.”
The incident has sparked outrage, with locals lamenting the repeated loss of innocent lives due to actions by revenue collectors in Anambra. “This is one death too many. These agents have caused more harm to Ndi Anambra than even non-state actors,” a source said.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the police quickly intervened to restore order. “We are collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Further updates will be provided as more facts emerge,” Ikenga stated.