Enugu State Condemns Assault on Traffic Officials Over Compliance Op

 The Enugu State Government has condemned an 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 response followed a viral video showing a confrontation between motorists, members of the public, and traffic officials near the ABC Transport terminal in 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.

According to Ozor, the incident occurred 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 Ani allegedly attempted to evade the officers, resulting in a situation in which his vehicle reportedly lost control and collided with a stationary Lexus LX 350 near the ABC terminal.

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

The government described the reported attack on the officers as disturbing, stressing that traffic officials carry out a legitimate responsibility in enforcing road regulations. It maintained that motorists who disagree 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, noting that running red lights or attempting to evade traffic officials could carry consequences well beyond the initial traffic violation, particularly on busy roads shared by pedestrians, commuters, and other motorists. "Traffic enforcement is intended to prevent accidents, protect lives and maintain order," the statement said.

At the same time, the government acknowledged that traffic officials should also be held accountable where they act improperly, stressing that effective enforcement requires accountability on the part of officers alongside cooperation from motorists and the public. It called for a more constructive approach to issues surrounding traffic enforcement, accountability, and public cooperation as the state continues 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 concluded.