‘It’s demoralising’ — FRSC condemns attack on officers rescuing accident victims in Bauchi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says its officers were attacked and injured while carrying out a rescue operation for victims of an accident in Bauchi.

Bisi Kazeem, the corps spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday that the accident which occurred on Thursday involved a diesel ladened tanker that went up in flames.

The corps spokesperson said the accident led to the death of 13 people and injured 10 others while eight vehicles, six tricycles, and two motorcycles were also burnt down.

Kazeem said the two teams detailed to carry out the prompt rescue of the crash victims were ambushed by sympathisers and suspected hoodlums.

He said the assailants burnt one FRSC patrol vehicle and damaged many parts of the ambulance that was to convey those injured to the hospital.

“The attack also left three operatives with severe injuries sustained on their heads and other parts of their bodies,” the statement reads.

“The corps marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu has condemned strongly, the unjustifiable attack on both FRSC personnel and operational vehicles, describing it as unfortunate, uncalled-for, and could have a demoralising effect on the general morale of the operatives.

“The corps marshal while sympathising with the victims of the crash also called on the public to desist from further unprovoked attacks on FRSC personnel, and its facilities both on the operational front and within its commands’ premises.

“Dauda Biu, however, applauded the swift response of the Nigeria Police Force, and other security organisations who acted swiftly to calm the rousing tension, as well as disperse the angry mob and restore normalcy on that route.”