Government Officials Accused of Inciting Violence in Anambra Motor Park

Map of Anambra State

A dispute over revenue collection at the Nkpor Central Motor Park in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has raised concerns over possible violence in the area.

Allegations of inconsistency in the enforcement of regulations by the Office of the State Commissioner for Transport and the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) are believed to be escalating tensions at the park.

Public sentiment suggests that the conflict may be orchestrated, with suspicions directed at the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. (Mrs.) Patricia Igwebuike; the Executive Director (Assessment) of AIRS, Mr. Benjamin Okafor; and the Chairman of AIRS, Dr. Greg Ezeilo. These officials are accused of manipulating youth groups and influencing leadership dynamics within the ongoing conflict.

The situation has reportedly worsened with claims that top government officials are fueling the unrest, possibly in response to mounting pressure from opposition groups seeking to discredit the current administration an administration that has frequently highlighted its successes in governance.

Sources allege that the conflict involves individuals seeking official recognition from the state government, as well as opposition figures attempting to exploit the situation. According to information made available to journalists, certain individuals opposed to the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are believed to be behind efforts to incite unrest at the motor park.

Some of these individuals, once involved in revenue collection under previous arrangements, are reportedly being backed by powerful political actors with the intent of destabilizing the relatively peaceful revenue system currently in place at the park.

Over the past weekend, it was allegedly discovered that opposition elements met with representatives of Nkpor youth at a hotel in Nkpor Agu. The meeting, according to sources, was aimed at stirring unrest in the community by disrupting operations at the motor park beginning in October.

In response, concerned residents and regular commuters at the Nkpor Central Motor Park have appealed to both the state government and security agencies to take preemptive action and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.

During an on-ground fact-finding mission, our reporter confirmed that a meeting took place between youth leaders and opposition figures. The agenda reportedly included plans to unseat Mr. Afam Uzoegwu, who currently oversees revenue management at the park.

Further findings revealed that known touts—names withheld—have allegedly been commissioned by opposition interests to spearhead a campaign of disruption. These individuals, believed to be part of the Nkpor youth community, have reportedly circulated messages within the park announcing plans to resume their own revenue collection operations starting October 1, 2025.

Sources say these actors are determined to reclaim perceived financial losses incurred since the implementation of the current revenue management system.

Petty traders and transport operators have expressed concern, fearing that the return of the youth groups to the park would jeopardize their businesses. Many voiced satisfaction with the current revenue framework, citing improved order and transparency.

Key stakeholders in and around the Nkpor Central Motor Park are now pleading with the government and security forces to intervene promptly in order to avert violence and possible casualties.

Repeated attempts to contact Mr. Afam Uzoegwu for comment were unsuccessful. He did not respond to multiple phone calls and failed to return messages.

Obinna Uzoegwu Obima, reportedly a key figure within the opposition group, initially expressed strong displeasure over the release of his contact details, going so far as to issue a threat concerning the publication of his name. However, he later softened his stance, stating that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner for Transport and the Director General of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service.

Obima advised that any further inquiries regarding the Nkpor Central Motor Park crisis should be directed to the appropriate government officials.

Efforts to obtain comments from Hon. Commissioner for Transport, Hon. (Mrs.) Patricia Igwebuike; Executive Director (Assessment), Mr. Benjamin Okafor; and AIRS Chairman, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, were unsuccessful, as their contact information was not available at the time of publication.