The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has condemned the recent assault on its patrol team during a routine operation around the Shao junction, Olooru local government area of Kwara.
This FRSC in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Monday in Abuja, warned that the corps would not tolerate such attack on its personnel again.
The incident which took place on Sunday, involved a rider of an impounded motorcycle in Kwara.
Mr Ogungbemide expressed deep concern over the unruly behaviour of the motorcyclist, who had been stopped for riding without a helmet.
“The incident occurred when a traffic offender, in the process of being apprehended, stripped himself and got on top of the bonnet of the FRSC patrol vehicle, inciting the public against the team
“The offender resisted arrest and created a scene, drawing public attention, which led to some individuals forcibly removing the impounded motorcycle from the patrol vehicle and attacked the FRSC officers.
“The assailants also threatened to destroy the patrol vehicle.
“The situation could have escalated into chaos, but thanks to the swift intervention of the police, one of the assailants was arrested, although the offender escaped with the motorcycle,” Mr Ogungbemide said.
The FRSC spokesman issued a stern warning against any form of violence directed at FRSC patrol teams while they performed their lawful duty of ensuring road safety.
He, however, assured the public that the FRSC would pursue the case to ensure justice was served and prevent a repeat of such incidents.
“While our patrol teams are expected to act with the utmost civility, the FRSC will not tolerate instances where traffic offenders, in collaboration with members of the public, subject our personnel to ridicule or attack.
“It would be recalled that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed had severally advised the public to always seek legitimate means of seeking redress instead of resorting to the use of violence,” he said.
The FRSC spokesperson called for cooperation between Nigerians and the FRSC, highlighting that road safety was a collective responsibility that required adherence to traffic laws.
(NAN)
