By Palang Paul
The Plateau State Government has suspended field operations by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) following repeated clashes and alleged assaults involving officers and motorists across the state.
Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, announced the suspension on Saturday 3rd October 2026, saying the measure would allow the government to review VIO operations and develop a lasting solution to the disputes.
Jatau described the recent assault on VIO personnel as “barbaric” and said the government considered it necessary to temporarily withdraw officers from the streets for an introspective review.
“The most recent one is the most barbaric, where some officers of the government were beaten blue and black,” he said.
“As a result of recurring assault on staff, we find it so necessary to step down the operations on the field for us to be introspective.”
The commissioner said VIO officers were deployed to the roads primarily to promote road safety and ensure commuters reach their destinations safely.
“We want to have commuters board buses and taxis to reach their destinations safely. That’s why we have VIOs on the street,” Jatau said.
He disclosed that the state government had established a complaint unit with dedicated telephone lines, which would be publicised to enable motorists to report grievances or alleged misconduct involving VIO personnel.
Jatau said the government was also consulting relevant stakeholders to address concerns surrounding VIO operations and improve relations between officers and motorists.
He warned that recurring attacks on government personnel were unacceptable, stressing that the government had a responsibility to protect its workers while ensuring that motorists’ concerns were properly addressed.
The suspension is expected to provide the government with an opportunity to reassess VIO activities, strengthen accountability mechanisms and establish clearer channels for resolving disputes between officers and road users.
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