Enugu Gov’t condemns mob attack on Transport Management Officers

The Enugu State Government has condemned the alleged mob attack on officers of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA) during a traffic compliance operation on Owerri Road, Enugu.

The government’s position followed a viral video showing a confrontation between motorists, members of the public and traffic officials near the ABC Transport terminal, Enugu.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Transport, Chinwendu Odumegwu, on behalf of the Transport Commissioner, Dr Obi Ozor, on Friday in Enugu.

Ozor said the incident happened on Friday during a routine traffic-compliance operation, when a motorist, identified as Ikenna Ani, allegedly ran a red-traffic signal before being flagged down by ESTMA officers.

He said that Ani allegedly attempted to evade the officers leading to a situation in which the vehicle reportedly lost control and collided with a stationary Lexus LX 350 near the ABC terminal.

The commissioner said the collision attracted motorists, commuters and traders in the area, some of whom allegedly attacked the traffic officials before police operatives arrived and restored order.

The government described the reported attack on the officers as disturbing, stressing that traffic officials had a legitimate responsibility to enforce road regulations.

It said that motorists who disagreed with enforcement actions should cooperate with officers and seek redress through appropriate channels rather than resorting to violence or mob action.

The government also urged motorists to obey traffic signals and avoid actions capable of endangering other road users.

It noted that running red lights or attempting to evade traffic officials could have consequences beyond the immediate traffic violation, especially on busy roads with pedestrians, commuters and other motorists.

“Traffic enforcement is intended to prevent accidents, protect lives and maintain order,” the statement said.

The government however, said traffic officials should also be held accountable where they acted improperly.

It said that effective enforcement required accountability on the part of officers as well as cooperation from motorists and the public.

It called for a constructive approach to issues surrounding traffic enforcement, accountability and public cooperation as the state continued to strengthen its transport management system.

“The road is a shared space. Safety, order and respect for the law must remain a shared responsibility,” the statement said.