Lagos govt fumes over attack on VIO officials, vows punishment

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, has described the assault of its Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) at the Mile 2 axis as appalling, utterly reprehensible act which is a direct affront, not only to the officers involved, but also to the authority and dignity of the State Government.

A viral video had shown a motorist stripped down to his boxers and some other people assaulting the VIO officers in Mile 2 area of the state

This was after the VIO officers used their vehicle to block his Sienna car.

But reacting to the indent in a statement on Thursday, Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi emphasized that the perpetrators of the assault on the VIO officers while executing their lawful duties, would not go unpunished.

“We received with profound indignation reports of the grievous incident at Mile 2, where VIOs were viciously assaulted, while executing their lawful mandate.

“This appalling and utterly reprehensible act is a direct affront, not only to the officers involved, but also to the authority and dignity of the Lagos State Government.

”It will never go unpunished,” he stated.

He noted that the VIO officials were legally empowered agents of the state, entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding lives, through road safety enforcement.

He stressed that to raise a hand against them was to undermine the rule of law, subvert public order, and desecrate the very institutions established to protect society.

“The perpetrators of this disgraceful attack, will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended and subjected to the full sanctions of the law.

“Thankfully, the injured officers are responding to treatment. However, this does not in any way diminish the gravity of the assault, or the firm resolve of the government to bring the culprits to justice,” he said.

Osiyemi said that the government stood in unwavering solidarity with the injured officers, while reassuring all the personnel of absolute commitment to their safety and dignity.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to protect its personnel and contain criminal elements trying to intimidate or obstruct them from their lawful work.

(NAN)