A 25-year-old man identified as Michael Okorie, a truck driver, has been reportedly killed by suspected revenue collectors at Bridgehead, Onitsha, Anambra State.
Okorie was said to have been pursued by the revenue collectors on Sunday, as he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a concrete barricade in the area.
NEWSNAIJA learned that the incident angered some youths in the area, who blocked the highway and set bonfires on the road.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.
Haruna Mohammed, The state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident.
He said John Abang, the Commissioner of Police in the state, had ordered an investigation into the matter.
Mohammed said, “On Sunday, there was a report of a fatal motor accident along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway by Coca-Cola Market, Onitsha, involving a Mercedes Benz 911 lorry with number plate, ACA -178-XA, loaded with timber and driven by one Michael Okorie of Oduma, in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“The accident occurred when the truck driver, who was allegedly being pursued by suspected revenue collectors stationed at Headbridge, Onitsha, suddenly lost control and crashed into the concrete barricade near Coca-Cola Market.
“As a result, the driver of the lorry became unconscious and was rushed to Toronto Hospital by the police patrol team attached to Okpoko division. He was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor on duty.
“The corpse was photographed and deposited at the same hospital’s morgue autopsy.
“However, following the incident, aggrieved youths in their hundreds went on the rampage and blocked the highway, setting bonfires on the road. They were later persuaded to disperse through the joint efforts of the police, union leaders, and state government officials.
“The Commissioner of Police, John Abang, who is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.”