Abuja Commercial Drivers Protest Alleged VIO Harassment

Some commercial vehicle drivers in Abuja have protested against alleged harassment and extortion by officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) which they say has led to accidents and deaths of their members.

According to the protesters, a joint task force supervised by the VIO ambush and extort money from drivers at will, even when no traffic laws were broken.

They called on the government to scrap the task force before things get out of hand.

However, the Director, FCT Vehicle Inspection Office, Mr Danjuma Garba, has denied the allegations, saying his officers carry out their duties professionally.

He explained that all activities of his men are in the interest of the drivers, other road users and the society.

Mr Danjuma, however, said that the task force is undergoing a reformation to help identify touts who might be hiding under its name to commit crime.

Controlling traffic and maintaining order among drivers has often pitched law enforcement officials against commercial vehicle drivers in Abuja, although the city is carefully planned with traffic lights.