By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Truck drivers in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra state have embarked on protest against the activities of touts
In spite of the ban on touting and collection of illegal revenues in the state by government, the ugly practices have persisted.
The activities of the touts on the early hours on Tuesday in Upper Iweka Roundabout, Onitsha led to a crash where the conductor of the truck was trapped.
An eye witness, Mr Jones Emeka said the accident was caused by the 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.
“He fell into the gutter and jumped out from motor, but his conductor was not lucky to escape.
“The conductor in an attempt to jumped out was not as lucky as the truck fell on his leg. He was trapped for over three hours ” he said .
Another eye witness, Mr Tochukwu Okoro said a crane was needed to rescue the dying man at the Upper Iweka roundabout, but the road was blocked.
“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 Eze-Iweka Road, all blocked.
The relevant agencies should help out travellers and other road users passing through Onitsha, the situation is harrowing” he said .
Anambra State Sector Commander of Federal Roads Saftey Corps, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi confirmed incident.
He said the truck drivers were protesting against the activities of touts 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, 0nitsha for proper medical attention.
He appealed to the protesting truck drivers who blocked the expressway to allow reason prevail and open the road.
