Panic as tanker driver kills mortuary operator

There was pandemonium at Rumosi axis of Obio/Akpor Local government Area of Rivers State yesterday following the killing of a mortuary operator by a tanker driver.

The victim, Anele Wagbara, was reportedly attacked and subsequently stabbed to death by the unidentified tanker driver and his conductor after a slight argument over parking space.

Eyewitness account said trouble began when late Wagbara appealed to the truck driver to move the long vehicle out of the mortuary gates along Choba – Uniport way of the East West road to enable easy movement in and out of the business premises.

It was said the appeal did not go down well with the driver leading to serious argument.

Suddenly, the aggrieved driver and his conductor pulled their dagger and pierced it through their victim who slumped immediately.

Onlookers reportedly rushed him to the emergency care unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) where he was later confirmed dead.

Sources also alleged the assailants attacked two other attendants attached to the mortuary while they attempted to interfere and are currently hospitalised.

It was said an angry mob descended on the duo after realising he had killed the attendant.

They were later handed over to the Police who arrived the scene shortly.

The development caused panic in the Rumuosi axis of Port Harcourt, as indigenes trooped out for reprisal attack but were stopped by security men.

Police Public Relation Officer, Nnamdi Omoni confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone.

He said the driver was receiving treatment in a hospital and will be charged to court for murder upon discharge.

Omoni said remains of the deceased had been deposited to the mortuary while normalcy has returned to the area.