Enugu Government has condemned the alleged mob attack on ESTMA officers on Owerri Road, while concerns over the manner of traffic enforcement continue to emerge.
The Enugu State Government has condemned the 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 position followed a viral video showing a confrontation involving motorists, members of the public and traffic officials near the ABC Transport terminal in Enugu.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Transport, Chinwendu Odumegwu, on behalf of the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, the government said the incident occurred on Friday during a routine traffic-compliance operation.
According to Ozor, a motorist identified as Ikenna Ani allegedly ran a red traffic signal and was flagged down by ESTMA officers.
He alleged that Ani attempted to evade the officers, resulting in a situation in which the vehicle reportedly lost control and collided with a stationary Lexus LX 350 near the ABC terminal.
The commissioner said the collision attracted motorists, commuters and traders in the area, some of whom allegedly attacked the traffic officials before police operatives arrived and restored order.
The state government described the reported attack on the officers as disturbing, stressing that ESTMA personnel had a legitimate responsibility to enforce traffic regulations.
It urged motorists who disagreed with enforcement actions to cooperate with officials and seek redress through appropriate channels rather than resorting to violence, intimidation or mob action.
The government also called on motorists to obey traffic signals and avoid actions capable of putting other road users at risk.
It noted that running red lights or attempting to evade traffic officials could have consequences beyond the immediate traffic violation, particularly on busy roads used by pedestrians, commuters and other motorists.
“Traffic enforcement is intended to prevent accidents, protect lives and maintain order,” the statement said.
However, the government acknowledged that traffic officials must also be held accountable where they act improperly.
It said effective enforcement required accountability from officers as well as cooperation from motorists and members of the public.
The government therefore called for a 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 said.
The incident has also renewed concerns among some road users, particularly commercial and commuter drivers, over the manner in which some ESTMA officers conduct enforcement operations.
While such concerns cannot justify attacking, intimidating or obstructing traffic officials, they underscore the need for greater transparency, professionalism and accountability in traffic enforcement.
For some road users, the issue is not whether traffic regulations should be enforced, but how they are enforced.
They argue that motorists have a responsibility to obey traffic laws, while enforcement officers should equally exercise their authority with restraint, fairness and professionalism.
The development highlights the need for a balanced approach in which traffic regulations are effectively enforced while legitimate complaints against enforcement practices are independently reviewed and addressed.
As Enugu continues to strengthen its traffic management system, cooperation between motorists, enforcement officers and the wider public remains critical to improving road safety and maintaining order across the state.
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