Economic Hardship: Edo wheelbarrow pusher stabs tax collector to death over N50, kills self

A yet-to-be identified wheelbarrow pusher has allegedly stabbed a tax collector to death in Benin City, Edo State before killing himself.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Friday on Mission road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident caused pandemonium among residents and shop owners who hurriedly closed shops.

An argument had reportedly ensued between the barrow pusher and the tax collector over alleged refusal by the former to pay N50 daily ticket.

Angered by the argument, the revenue collector reportedly kicked the wheelbarrow containing bags of items.

In retaliation, the wheelbarrow pusher reportedly brought out a knife and stabbed the tax collector.

On realising the tax collector was dead, he thereafter stabbed himself on the neck and died.

An eyewitness, who doesn’t want his name in print, lamented what he described as “human rights violation by some overzealous revenue collectors” in Benin Metropolis.

“His approach was very wrong. But, nothing justifies murder. The economic hardship is too much. Nobody knew that the wheelbarrow pusher had a long knife. He stabbed the man to death.

“Some people around wanted to hold him, but he became very wild and said he would kill anybody who came close. He stabbed himself and died,” he said.

The police spokesperson in the state, SP Chidi Nwanbuzor, confirmed the incident.