The Lagos State Government has vowed to prosecute a motorist who, alongside others, physically assaulted Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in the Mile 2 area, stressing that the perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.
The government condemned the incident, which occurred while the officers were carrying out their lawful duties of ensuring road safety and compliance.
A viral video of the attack showed a motorist—stripped down to his boxers—violently confronting the officers after their vehicle reportedly blocked his Sienna bus.
Reacting to the development on Thursday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the assault as a direct affront not only to the affected officers but also to the authority and dignity of the Lagos State Government.
“VIO officials are legally empowered agents of the State, entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding lives through the enforcement of road safety regulations,” Osiyemi said.
He reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on attacks against public officials, warning that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted.
“The Ministry of Transportation has received with profound indignation the reports of the grievous incident at Mile 2, where Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) were viciously assaulted while executing their lawful mandate,” he said.
“To raise a hand against them is 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.”
Osiyemi confirmed that the injured officers are responding to treatment but stressed that the government remains resolute in seeking justice.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the injured officers and reassure all personnel of our absolute commitment to their safety and dignity,” he added. “The Ministry will not relent in its duty to protect those who serve, nor will it allow criminal elements to intimidate or obstruct the lawful work of government.”
Would you like me to make the headline more hard-hitting (tabloid-style, e.g., “Lagos Goes Tough: Motorist Who Beat VIOs to Face Prosecution”) or keep it formal and government-style as above?