The Plateau State Government has asked for an investigation into a fight involving Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) officials during an enforcement operation on Ahmadu Bello Way in Jos.
A video shared on social media shows the VIO officials in a confrontation. This led the state government to condemn what it called a challenge to authority.
Davou Jatau, the Commissioner for Transport, issued a statement urging security agencies to look into the incident. He wants to find out what caused the fight and who was responsible.
The commissioner stated that anyone found guilty should face the law.
"The Plateau State Ministry of Transport has condemned the incident involving officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office while carrying out their lawful duties along Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos," the statement said.
The government did not explain what caused the fight. They also did not say if any officials or others involved got hurt.
The statement noted that the video shows "an altercation involving the officials in the course of their official assignment."
This government action comes months after the state reviewed how VIO operates. There were claims of misconduct, harassment, and excessive enforcement by some staff.
A committee formed by the government to look into these claims submitted its report in April. After that, the state appointed a new VIO director.
Given this background, the ministry said it takes the recent fight seriously. They will not accept violence, intimidation, or obstruction against government workers doing their jobs.
Mr Jatau warned that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. This is true no matter the situation or any provocation.
"Any grievance against government officials should be addressed through lawful and appropriate channels," the commissioner said.
The government also urged residents to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disrupt public order or stop officials from doing their work.
They directed security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and take action against anyone who broke the law.
The Plateau government reiterated its commitment to protecting its officials. They want to make sure that government agencies can perform their duties.
But questions still exist about what led to the clash seen in the video. The government has not yet provided a full account of how the incident started.
The outcome of the planned investigation is expected to clarify what happened on Ahmadu Bello Way. It will also determine if any parties involved broke the law.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇