An enraged mob on Friday set two revenue agents ablaze after their actions allegedly caused the death of an innocent bystander. The incident occurred at Old Market Road near Venn Road, Egerton, in Onitsha, Anambra State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the chain of events began when the revenue agents, reportedly working for the Anambra State government, pursued a tipper driver over an unpaid levy. In their attempt to force the driver to comply, some of the agents reportedly climbed onto the moving truck and began dragging the steering wheel. This reckless action caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then jammed into a passerby, killing him instantly.
Videos circulating on social media captured the immediate aftermath of the incident, showing the mob attacking the revenue collectors.
Two of the agents were caught, beaten with various objects, and set on fire by the furious crowd. Four other collectors reportedly managed to escape the scene. The footage also depicted the charred remains of the deceased agents.
A witness who recorded the video narrated, “There was chaos in Onitsha this morning as an angry mob set ablaze two revenue agents while four others narrowly escaped. These agents were chasing a tipper driver for refusing to pay a bribe. In the process of dragging the steering, they caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the death of an innocent man. After realizing what had happened, the agents attempted to flee, but the crowd apprehended two of them.”
The source expressed deep frustration, adding, “This is one death too many caused by these revenue agents in Anambra State. Over the past two years, they’ve caused more harm than even non-state actors. The person who was killed today was well-known in the community. The people have had enough.”
Another trader in the area corroborated the events.
“Onitsha was in turmoil this morning at Egerton by Old Market Road,” the trader recounted. “These revenue collectors were forcing a tipper driver to pay them. When he refused, they began dragging the steering. The truck veered off, hit a pedestrian, and killed him. Seeing what they had caused, the agents tried to run, but they couldn’t escape the angry crowd.”
When contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the police acted swiftly to restore order.
“We responded immediately upon receiving information about the fatal accident,” Ikenga said. “Our officers are currently working with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic event and to prevent future occurrences. I will provide further updates as soon as more facts are available.”
