Angry mob burns Soludo’s revenue agents alive after fatal crash in Onitsha

Two men, suspected of being revenue touts allegedly working with the Anambra State government, were set on fire by an enraged mob in Onitsha after they caused the death of an innocent bystander.

According to reports from Vanguard, the incident took place on Old Market Road near Venn Road, by Egerton, Onitsha. The two men were reportedly attempting to collect revenue from a tipper driver when a tragic accident occurred.

Witnesses say the revenue agents were grappling with the driver’s steering wheel when he lost control of the vehicle, which then veered off course and struck a passerby, killing him instantly.

A disturbing video that has since circulated on social media shows the mob beating the two men with various objects before setting them alight. A bystander who filmed the video described the scene:

“There was chaos in Onitsha this morning as the mob set fire to two revenue touts, while four others managed to escape. The revenue collectors, about six in total, were chasing a tipper driver over a payment they demanded from him.

“As they pursued him, some of them grabbed the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control and run over an innocent person. When they realized the fatal outcome of their actions, they tried to flee, but the angry crowd caught two of them and set them on fire.”

The eyewitness also expressed frustration over the repeated violence linked to revenue touts in the region. “This is one death too many in Anambra over the last two years. These revenue touts have killed more people than even non-state actors.”

Another local trader confirmed the details, adding that the revenue collectors had been demanding a bribe from the driver, which led to the deadly confrontation.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the police responded promptly to control the situation. “We acted swiftly upon receiving information about the fatal accident. We are working with the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and prevent such occurrences in the future. More details will be provided once we gather more information,” Ikenga said.

The tragic event has sparked outrage and renewed calls for greater accountability and regulation of revenue collection practices in the state.