Onitsha residents stranded as police battle revenue touts in Anambra

Pandemonium erupted in Onitsha, Anambra State following a clash between the police and illegal revenue collectors in the commercial city.

The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo had banned the collection of revenue in the State.

But the touts swooped on tricycle operators plying Ochanja Central Market, Roundabout and some parts of Fegge, demanding for money.

This led to the withdrawal of services of tricycle riders as early as 7 am, compelling some traders and workers to trek distant places to get to their destinations.

The tricycle operators later returned following the deployment of policemen from Fegge Divisional Police Station.

The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Fegge Area, Mr Rabiu Garba, had warned the touts to leave the area or be ready for the consequences of their illegal actions.

“We will not spare anybody who try to challenge or flout government directive. Fegge has zero-tolerance for lawlessness. We will deal mercilessly with anybody who tries to flout the government’s directive. They can try it elsewhere but not in Fegge,” he said.

Some tricycle operators, who spoke to reporters later said they had to withdraw for fear of attack by the revenue collectors.

They alleged the invading revenue collectors brandished machetes, knives, daggers to threaten them to part with their money.

“The revenue collectors were using all kinds of dangerous weapons to force us to part with various sums of money, boasting that no government will stop them from collecting revenue,” Uzoma Okoye said. (The Nation)