On Friday, a violent incident erupted in Onitsha, Anambra State, when an irate mob set two revenue touts ablaze after they were allegedly responsible for causing the death of an innocent bystander.

The incident took place along Old Market Road, near Venn Road by Egerton, when a tipper driver, who was reportedly being chased by the revenue agents, lost control of his vehicle.

As the touts grabbed the steering wheel, the driver veered off the road, running over and killing a pedestrian instantly.

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A disturbing video of the event, circulating on social media, shows the mob attacking the two revenue agents with various objects before setting them on fire.

Four other touts managed to escape the scene unscathed.

A witness to the chaos, who recorded the incident, described what transpired: “There was chaos in Onitsha this morning as angry mob set ablaze two revenue touts, while four others were lucky to escape.

“The touts were chasing the driver over a fee, and in the process, the tipper lost control, killing a pedestrian.”

Local residents and traders expressed outrage over the incident, blaming the revenue collectors for the tragedy.

One trader said, “Onitsha was hot this morning at Egerton by Old Market Road. The revenue men were dragging the steering with a tipper driver because he refused to give them a bribe.

“In the process, the vehicle ran over an innocent man, and seeing the result of their actions, they tried to flee. But the angry people chased and caught two of them.”

The victim, who was struck and killed by the vehicle, has yet to be officially identified, but reports indicate that he was a well-known figure in the community.

The tragic event has reignited long-standing frustrations with the activities of revenue collectors in the state, with many calling for immediate reforms.

One local resident lamented, “These revenue touts have killed more people than non-state actors in the last two years.”

In response to the incident, Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the situation and assured that authorities were working swiftly to restore order.

“We are already working with the relevant authorities to ascertain what happened and find an amicable solution to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Ikenga stated.

The police investigation into the incident is ongoing, as officials seek to determine the full details surrounding the fatal accident and the mob violence that followed.

A police officer is reportedly dead and another injured following an attack by unknown gunmen on a police checkpoint in the Ohafia area of Abia State.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Ugwu Abba Asaga, has sparked concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.

The Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack. However, when contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured reporters that she would provide updates, but no further details had been shared as of the time of this report.

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This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Abia State. On Monday, the Abia State government accused unnamed politicians and external parties of fueling kidnappings and violence targeting security personnel and civilians since May 2024. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“The promoters of violence and insecurity in the state will pay a heavy price,” the statement read.

However, John Okiyi Kalu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, criticized the government’s position. He argued that insecurity in the state should not be politicized but rather addressed through actionable measures.

The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with citizens calling for swift action to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and security personnel alike.

A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.

Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.

The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.

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An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.

“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”

The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.

Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.

However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.

“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.

Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.