There is tension in Onitsha after a truck driver, Michael Okorie, was killed while fleeing from revenue collectors at the head bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.
According to reports, Okorie was pursued by the revenue collectors stationed at Head Bridge when he lost control of the wheel and crashed into a concrete barricade.
The accident caused a gridlock as hundreds of aggrieved youths blocked the highway with bonfires.
Okorie victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.
The police public relations officer, Haruna Mohammed, said the commissioner of Police, John Abang, has ordered an investigation.
He said: “On December 6, about 4am, there was a report of an accident on the Asaba/Onitsha Expressway, by Coca-Cola market, involving a Mercedes Benz 911 Lorry (ACA 178 XA) loaded with timber and driven by Michael Okorie (25), of Oduma, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“The truck driver was being pursued by suspected ‘revenue collectors’ when he lost control and crashed into the concrete barricade. He was rushed to Toronto Hospital by the Police Patrol team attached to Okpoko Division, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The body was photographed and deposited at morgue for post-motem examination.
“However, aggrieved youths went on rampage and blocked the highway, setting bonfires on the road, but were later persuaded to disperse.
“Commissioner of Police John Abang has ordered an investigation into the matter. He assures the people that the perpetrators would be arrested and prosecuted.”
Below is a graphic image of the deceased.
