FRSC Hails Army, Police Over Benin City Toll Gate Attack On Personnel, Orders Immediate Probe

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has lauded the swift intervention of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following Thursday’s mob attack on its RS5.12 Benin Toll Gate Unit Command along the Benin–Lagos Expressway.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their “swift and decisive intervention” which helped restore order and prevent further escalation of violence.

According to the statement, the unfortunate incident occurred after a rescue operation following a crash involving two trucks near the Benin Toll Gate, which claimed the life of one of the drivers and left some FRSC personnel critically injured.

“One of the officers later succumbed to injuries despite urgent medical attention,” the Corps said.

The tragedy triggered a mob attack on the FRSC formation, during which angry individuals vandalised the command office. However, the situation was quickly brought under control through the prompt response of the Army and Police operatives.

Condemning the attack, Mohammed described it as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” emphasizing that FRSC officers were performing lawful duties to save lives at the time of the incident.

“Our personnel were on legitimate duty responding to a crash scene to save lives when this unfortunate event occurred,” he said.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased driver, the fallen officer, and the entire FRSC workforce, the Corps Marshal directed a comprehensive investigation into both the crash and the mob action.

“Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he assured.

Mohammed reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians and appealed to the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of FRSC operations.

“We remain steadfast in our mandate of ensuring safer roads for all. We urge the public to support our officers in carrying out their duties,” he added.