According to the Punch the attack on the FRSC officials occurred around 11am after the officials trailed a motorist who had driven into his compound and locked the gate to avoid arrest.
Undeterred by the conduct of the motorist, the officials tried to force their way into the compound to enforce the arrest on the motorist when residents of the area pounced on the men, leading to a free-for-all.
Narrating what led to the fracas, a witnessed who spoke under the condition of anonymity said: “The FRSC officers trailed the man from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to Arepo in their patrol van. He drove into his compound and they still tried to follow him, but a mechanic challenged them.
“That was what started the fight. The mechanic, who was huge and well-built, beat up one of the officers and tore his uniform. He was looking for a weapon to attack him when people restrained him.
“Other residents also hit some officers with blows. When the FRSC officers became overwhelmed, they began looking for escape routes. One of them jumped into a swamp through a fence and injured himself. Another officer, who did not want his uniform torn, quickly removed it and put it in his bag. There was confusion everywhere.”
However, the arrival of some navy men who were passing in their truck at the time gave the FRSC officials the upper hand. Another witness, who also did not give his name told the punch that: “The FRSC officers were boasting that they would make sure those guys suffered. But as the navy men were about taking them away, some soldiers arrived at the scene.
“A senior officer ordered that the FRSC officers get out of the community. He also ordered the naval officers to leave. None of them objected. That was how the matter was resolved.”
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