By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
WHAT began as a routine rescue operation on the busy Benin–Lagos highway descended into violence on Thursday night after an angry mob attacked officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), vandalising their command post and leaving fatalities in its wake.
The unrest occurred at the RS5.12 Unit Command of the FRSC near the Benin Toll Gate following a collision involving two trucks.
According to officials, FRSC operatives had responded swiftly to the crash in a bid to rescue victims. One of the truck drivers was confirmed dead at the scene, while several officers sustained serious injuries during the emergency operation. Despite urgent medical attention, one injured officer later died.
However, the situation deteriorated as news of the fatal crash spread. Amid confusion surrounding the circumstances of the accident, a crowd reportedly gathered and began accusing authorities.
Within minutes, the mob stormed the FRSC formation, destroying property and assaulting personnel. Motorists were gripped by panic as the busy highway briefly turned into a scene of disorder.
Reinforcements from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force were deployed to the area. Security operatives succeeded in dispersing the crowd and restoring calm before the violence escalated further. Authorities said the swift intervention prevented additional casualties and more extensive damage along the major transport corridor.
Reacting to the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed condemned the attack, stressing that the officers had been carrying out their lawful duties in an effort to save lives.
He described the assault on emergency responders as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable” and expressed condolences to the families of both the deceased driver and the fallen officer, as well as to the wider FRSC community.
The Corps Marshal ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including the cause of the crash, the circumstances that led to the mob action, and the identification of those responsible for the violence. He warned that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
The FRSC urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to support safety officials, noting that attacks on rescue personnel undermine efforts to protect road users.
Thursday’s violence highlights the risks faced by first responders, who often arrive at accident scenes to save lives but can become targets themselves. For travellers along the Benin–Lagos expressway, the incident served as a stark reminder that road tragedies can sometimes spiral into wider unrest.
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