THE Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Central Police Station (CPS) Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr. Mark Ijarafu, yesterday, escaped death after he was stabbed three times with a broken bottle when two rival revenue collectors clashed in Onitsha main Market.
It was gathered that trouble started when one of the groups stormed the market with about 100 thugs to forcefully eject the other revenue agent to take over the revenue collection in the market which led to a free-for-all.
When the information got to the DPO, he led a team of Policemen to the market to stop the crisis. However, when he got to the scene, the DPO and his men were attacked by thugs who stabbed him with a broken bottle thrice on the face and chest before he was whisked away.
It was gathered that about 15 other people sustained various degrees of injuries during the fracas which lasted for about two hours before it was brought under control by the police.
The President of Anambra State Market Association, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo in his reaction said the crisis has been resolved by the state government, saying that the illegal revenue collection has stopped in the market.
While confirming the incident, the DPO of CPS said that nine suspects have been arrested and currently undergoing interrogation at the CID office at Awka Police command.
He said he was actually stabbed by the suspected thugs during the bloody clash which paralyzed business activities at the market for hours.
Credit: Sun
