Maduako Igbokwe l Wednesday, July 08, 2022
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Truck drivers in Onitsha Anambra State have embarked on protest against the activities of touts in the state.
Despite the ban on touting and collection of illegal revenues in the state by government, the ugly practice persist in Anambra. The activities of the touts on the early hours on Tuesday in Onitsha roundabout led to an accident where the conductor of the truck was trapped.
An eyes witness Mr. Uche Chikere said the accident at Upper Iweka Onitsha was caused by the those illegal revenue collectors who chased the truck driver to a gutter.
“The truck driver was being chased by the illegal revenue collectors and in the process of trying to escape them, he ran into a ditch. When the driver could not control his vehicles , he fell into gutter and jumped out from motor but his conductor was not lucky to jump out. The conductor on attempt to jumped out , the truck felled on his leg. He was trapped for over three hours ” he said .
Another eye witness Chukwu Uzo said crane is urgently needed to rescue the dying man at major Onitsha roads linking the Upper Iweka roundabout blocked.
According to him, the man legs have been trapped and roads were blocked for crane pass.
“Major Onitsha roads linking the Upper Iweka roundabout are blocked from all fronts due to the accident. Mostly affected are Awka road, Bridge head to Upper Iweka, Owerri road and Ezeiweka road all blocked…… relevant agencies should help out travellers and other road users passing through Onitsha, the situation is very harrowing” he said .
Anambra State Sector Commander, , Federal Roads Saftey Corps FRSC Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi who confirmed incident said the truck drivers are presently protesting against the activities of touts (agberos) which led to the crash in the first place.
According to him,the trapped victim has been successfully evacuated alive and taken to Boromeo hospital for proper medical attention. He appealed to the protesting truck drivers who blocked the expressway to allow reason prevail.
