Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr Abdul Lateef Bello, has firmly denied allegations that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) were responsible for a recent accident at Wuse Market in Abuja.
In a statement, Dr Bello addressed circulating rumours about the involvement of a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) team in the incident.
He clarified that while DRTS officers were present in the area as part of routine patrols, they were not the cause of the accident.
According to Dr Bello, the RRS team had briefly stopped to potentially apprehend an unpainted taxi but decided against it upon realising the driver was elderly.
Shortly after, a chain-reaction collision occurred when a distracted driver, reportedly using a phone, crashed into another vehicle, which then hit a third. Tragically, this incident resulted in one fatality.
“We mourn the loss of life and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” Dr Bello stated. “However, it’s crucial to understand that our officers did not cause this accident.”
The DRTS director emphasised that the Wuse Market underbridge area is a known hotspot for “one chance” criminal activities, necessitating regular patrols.
Despite the unfortunate incident, he assured the public that these security measures would continue.
Dr Bello also addressed the spread of misinformation, attributing it to the sometimes tense relationship between DRTS and the public.
He urged citizens to verify information before spreading rumours that could damage the reputation of the directorate.
“Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of lives and property on our roads,” Dr. Bello concluded. “We will continue to combat ‘one chance’ crimes and other road-related issues, always prioritising public safety.”
The DRTS has called for increased cooperation from the public and greater awareness of road safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.