A Tragedy in Onitsha

Onitsha, a bustling commercial hub in Anambra State, Nigeria, was plunged into chaos recently after a tragic chain of events left three people dead and many others reeling in shock. The crisis began when revenue touts, allegedly acting under the state government’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) framework, pursued a tipper driver in a bid to collect levies. The driver, reportedly under pressure, lost control of his vehicle, resulting in the death of a pedestrian along Venn Road.

The incident sparked outrage among locals, leading to a violent confrontation between residents and the IGR touts. Two touts were killed on the spot by an angry mob, while others narrowly escaped. What began as a tragic accident quickly escalated into widespread unrest, with mobs hunting down IGR operatives across the city.

Who Are the Revenue Touts?

For years, revenue collection in Anambra State has been a contentious issue. While Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has made strides in formalizing the process, allegations of extortion and harassment by so-called “revenue touts” have persisted. These individuals, often unofficially employed, target commercial vehicle drivers, traders, and other business operators, demanding fees under the guise of revenue collection.

According to Chike Eze, a local shop owner, “These touts act with impunity. They intimidate us daily, and many people pay out of fear.”

Tensions Boil Over

The tragic death along Venn Road was the breaking point for many residents, who have long complained about the high-handedness of revenue touts. Eyewitnesses described the mob as “enraged” and “unstoppable” as they turned their frustration into violence.

An anonymous trader at the scene noted, “The mob acted out of frustration. We have been pushed to the limit by these touts, and now people are taking matters into their own hands.”

While some residents sympathized with the mob’s sentiments, others warned of the dangers of taking justice into one’s hands.

Government Response

In a statement issued hours after the incident, Governor Soludo condemned the violence and called for calm. “This administration does not condone lawlessness in any form,” he said, urging citizens to avoid taking the law into their hands. He also promised an investigation into the activities of the IGR operatives to ensure accountability and fairness in revenue collection.

However, critics argue that the administration must do more than issue statements. “The government needs to overhaul its revenue collection system and ensure that those tasked with enforcement are properly trained and monitored,” said Ifeoma Okeke, a human rights activist.