The Lagos State Government has condemned the recent attack on some Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officials by a mob along Airport Road in Oshodi, warning that decisive action will be taken against perpetrators of such heinous acts.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said the VIS officials while on official duties along Airport Road in Oshodi attempted to apprehend a truck driver for violating the traffic law of the State when a mob suddenly appeared and attacked them at around 10:30 am on Tuesday, 10th May, 2022,
He explained that several dangerous weapons were used on the personnel including iron rods, wheel spanners and cutlasses that could have resulted in the loss of lives but for the timely intervention of the good people of the State and the men of the Lagos State Taskforce.
While revealing that two of the VIS personnel who sustained serious injuries from the attack are presently receiving medical treatment, the Commissioner said the truck driver and one of the attackers have been apprehended and would be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law, stressing that others who are still at large will soon be brought to book.Oladeinde decried the frequent attacks on the enforcement teams of the State Government by citizens, warning that those caught in the act will continue to face the full wrath of the Law.
Also speaking on the incident, the Director, Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service, Engr. Akin-George Fashola, urged members of the public to always channel their grievances against government officials to the appropriate authorities for necessary action instead of taking laws into their hands through unwarranted attacks.
“As we say in the Transport Sector, safety implementation without enforcement is mere entertainment. The role of the VIS is to ensure sanity on our roads for the safety of lives and property and if in the cause of this onerous assignment, you feel hard done by our officials, the last thing you want to do is to resort to self-help which is against the law. Endeavour to channel your grievances through the appropriate channel”, Fashola advised.