National Conference of Directors Condemns Attack on DRTS Officers.

Paschal Emeka, Abuja | Posted May 30, 2024

The National Conference of Directors/Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation, the apex body coordinating activities of Vehicle Inspection and Road Traffic matters in the thirty six (36) States of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned the recent unprovoked attack on VIO officers at AYA Command Abuja and called on the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) to promptly bring the perpetrators of the recent unprovoked attack to book, to avert future occurrences.

The statement was made in a press release signed and made available to the press by the National Chairman of the apex body, Engr. (Sir) Paul Bepeh, who is also the Director of Vehicle Inspection Service, Cross River State.

In the statement, the apex body condemned in strong terms, the incident which occurred on Friday, 24th May, 2024 at the AYA Command of DRTS FCT which had some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service attack officers of the VIO. AYA Command.

Those involved in the regrettable attack are officers said to be attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks in Abuja.

Reacting further to the incident, the Chairman, Engr. Paul Bepeh commiserates with the officers of DRTS AYA Command for the unfortunate attack on them, urging them to accept such as part of the hazards in serving the public and in their capacity as Road Traffic Officers, appealing that such incident should be prevented and avoided.

Furthermore, the Chairman stressed that an attack on any government uniformed officer of any government agency is an attack on the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the penalty for such offence must be enforced against the officers that carried out such attack on innocent officers.

“We condemn this disgraceful act of intimidation, especially when armed personnel, whose duty is to protect the integrity and citizens of Nigeria, are involved.

“While we appreciate the prompt action taken by the Controller General of Nigeria Customs Service, disassociating itself and condemning such barbaric act, we demand a thorough investigation and punishment of the officers involved, the Chairman said.

“All perpetrators must be decisively dealt with to prevent future occurrences and to maintain harmonious working relationship between the two agencies.

“We stand with the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services and urge them to continue performing their duties of ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents and road users on FCT roads and highways without fear or favour,” Engr. Bepeh concluded.