The Lagos State Government has condemned the violent assault on Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) by motorists in a viral video circulating online this week.
In the footage, several drivers were seen physically attacking the officers after their vehicle was intercepted for enforcement action, leading to a chaotic scene on the road.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the attack as “appalling and utterly reprehensible,” warning that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
“This assault is not just against the officers but an affront to the authority and dignity of the Lagos State Government,” Osiyemi said. “Such lawlessness will never go unpunished.”
He stressed that VIO officers are legally mandated to enforce road safety regulations and protect lives, adding that attacking them undermines public order and weakens institutions meant to safeguard society.
“The perpetrators will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent,” he vowed.
According to the Commissioner, the injured officers are receiving medical treatment, but the government’s resolve to bring the attackers to justice remains firm.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and dignity of all our personnel,” Osiyemi added. “Criminal elements cannot be allowed to obstruct the lawful duties of government.”
The Lagos State government has vowed to ensure justice for operatives of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) who were attacked in the Mile 2 area during a routine check.
The officers were reportedly assaulted by a driver and passersby after stopping a vehicle. Eyewitnesses said the driver failed to provide the requested documents, sparking a confrontation.
“When they asked the driver for documents he couldn’t provide them, and mentioned that he was carrying a load on top of his car, a fight broke out. Before we knew it, a crowd had gathered to beat the officers. The driver even undressed and joined in beating them before they ran away,” one eyewitness said.
Another eyewitness added: “The crowd physically fought the vehicle inspection officers, injuring them. When the road safety officers arrived, the crowd had already fled the scene. However, some area boys rescued the driver and they ran away. The driver should be caught.”
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