Tensions erupted in Onitsha, Anambra State, over the weekend when a violent confrontation between local revenue agents and residents led to the deaths of two individuals.
The incident, which took place on Saturday along Old Market Road, near Venn Road, underscored growing frustrations with the aggressive tactics employed by revenue collectors in the state.
The situation began when a tipper driver was accosted by six revenue agents who were allegedly trying to enforce a payment for the vehicle. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the agents reportedly grabbed the driver’s steering wheel during the confrontation, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck then veered off course and struck a pedestrian, instantly killing the victim.
In the aftermath, anger quickly mounted as local residents, particularly tricycle operators, witnessed the tragic event. The crowd, already upset with the revenue agent’s harsh methods, took matters into their own hands. They trapped the agents at the scene, assaulted them with various objects, and ultimately set two of them on fire. Four other agents managed to escape before the mob could reach them.
Local sentiment has long been cooking against the actions of these revenue collectors, who are often accused of using intimidation and force to extract money from citizens. This incident is just the latest in a string of violent confrontations that have plagued the city, leaving residents feeling unsafe and resentful of the aggressive tactics used to enforce compliance.
Eyewitnesses and community leaders have voiced outrage over the behavior of these so-called revenue agents. One observer lamented that these agents, rather than helping the state generate revenue, have become a source of fear and violence for everyday Anambra citizens.
"These revenue touts have done more harm to the people of Anambra than even external criminals," said one of the local’s.
In response to the violence, the Anambra State Police Command acted quickly to restore order. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident and assured the public that investigations are underway. Authorities are also reviewing how to prevent similar incidents in the future, as the violence has sparked widespread calls for reform in the state's revenue collection practices.
