Tipper Driver Narrowly Escapes Death in Onitsha as Hoodlums Attack Him, Conductor

Tipper driver, Francis Izuchukwu Udobi

By Raymond Ozoji

Francis Izuchukwu Udobi, a tipper driver, narrowly escaped death on the morning of Friday, when suspected hoodlums reportedly working for the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) attacked him and his conductor at Upper Iweka, Onitsha.

Udobi recounted that he had briefly parked his truck near the Young Shall Grow park to collect a waybill from Lagos when five men descended on his vehicle.

He said they brutally assaulted his conductor and vandalized the truck. Upon returning, Udobi himself was viciously beaten, nearly losing an arm in the process.

Bystanders at the nearby Lagos Park intervened, saving the duo from possible death.

The attackers also stole valuable items, including money meant for diesel and one of the assailants was eventually caught and dealt with by the crowd.

Comrade Chukwuebuka Unekwe, Chairman of the Onitsha Zone Tipper Drivers Association, condemned the attack and highlighted ongoing harassment and extortion of tipper drivers by ARTMA personnel.

He alleged that officials remove breakdown warning triangles, accuse drivers of illegal parking, and seize truck batteries demanding ₦250,000 for their release.

Unekwe warned that continued victimization might provoke backlash from drivers, potentially impacting the governor’s re-election efforts.

Unekwe also accused ARTMA of employing non-uniformed touts, led by individuals known as Isi Mma and Ochudo, to carry out illegal operations and extortion in Onitsha.

He revealed that over 10 batteries have been seized under dubious circumstances.

In response, ARTMA Managing Director Emeka Okonkwo (popularly known as Konti) denied the ₦250,000 allegation, challenging anyone with such claims to present receipts or evidence.

He clarified that ARTMA does not condone the use of ununiformed personnel and works closely with the Anambra Anti-Touting Agency to arrest impersonators. He insisted all ARTMA officials wear uniforms with unique identification numbers and dismissed the allegations as negative propaganda.

Meanwhile, Udobi remains hospitalized in critical condition and in urgent need of assistance.