The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists and members of the public against assaulting road safety personnel.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, stated this in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the warning followed the arrest of a suspect involved in an attack on operatives in Edo.
Mohammed reaffirmed the corps’ zero-tolerance stance on attacks against the FRSC personnel, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
He recalled that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 11, when a patrol team from RS5.1 Edo Sector Command flagged down a vehicle for a seat belt violation.
“In defiance, the driver fled the scene while an FRSC marshal was still engaged in enforcement, and later mobilised a group of commercial tricycle operators who attacked the officers.
“During the assault, the marshal was pushed into a gutter and beaten, while the team leader was also physically attacked. The suspect subsequently escaped.
“The suspect was later tracked and apprehended through collaboration with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
“The suspect has confessed to the crime and expressed remorse for his actions,” the corps marshal said.
Mohammed commended the professionalism and swift response of the security agencies in ensuring the arrest of the suspect.
He emphasised that assault on law enforcement officers remained a serious criminal offence, adding that due process would be followed and appropriate legal action taken to serve as a deterrent.
“While we acknowledge the suspect’s remorse, the law will take its course,” he said.
The corps marshal advised members of the public to cooperate with FRSC operatives at all times and utilise established channels for complaints or redress, rather than resorting to violence.
He, however, reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to ensure safer roads, while upholding the rule of law and protecting its personnel.
Mohammed also disclosed that the injured marshal was in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care.
He added that the corps would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all perpetrators of violence against its personnel were identified, apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.
