I watched with dismay a video circulating on social media, where an officer in uniform—possibly a cadet working with the Bauchi-Road Traffic-Agency (BAROTA)—was being chased by some youths at the Bakaro/Karofi/Shagari Roundabout. They were stoning him as he unconsciously ran across the road for his dear life.
The scenario is both frightening and disturbing. How can an officer on official duty be chased, possibly by a mob, simply for trying to discharge his responsibility of enforcing safety regulations? Unfortunately, some people now consider this a crime. For this reason, I am appealing to His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to issue a marching order to address this unruly behaviour.
I have often written about BAROTA, especially regarding their mode of operations and engagement. On many occasions, I have made attempts to suggest, as a spectator and observer, how they can improve their work for the safety of motorists and other road users. This is a pledge I made with honesty and sincerity of purpose, and I will continue until the desired objectives are achieved. I am glad to see other concerned individuals involved in this advocacy. Let us maintain the tempo, please.
In his speech during the inauguration of the officers, His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) made it clear that the agency was established, among other things, to address widespread road traffic violations and enhance road safety across the state.
Other responsibilities of the agency include removing and impounding vehicles obstructing highways, arresting road traffic violators, ensuring smooth traffic flow in urban centres and major towns, and promoting road safety awareness among residents. He urged the cadets to work closely with conventional security agencies to maintain order and safety on the roads.
Going by the purpose of their work, these officers should be supported in discharging their duties with the aim of saving lives and property, ensuring safer roads, and instilling discipline in motorists and other road users.
What went wrong?
From inception to date, officers of the agency have been facing a lot of challenges from the public while on official assignments. Passersby who are supposed to support them in carrying out their duties often end up creating hostile and chaotic situations.
This will not be unconnected with the poor perception and limited understanding of the essence of their work in securing people’s lives and property—perhaps resulting from their mode of engagement and operations.
Way Forward.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Agency to introduced workshop to its personnel on the rules of engagement in accordance with the best practices, embark on rigorous awareness and sensitization campaigns through stakeholder engagements with relevant groups such as NURTW, Achaba and Keke Napep riders’ unions, as well as other road users.
There is a need for town hall meetings, street rallies, and sustained radio programmes, including phone-in segments, dramas, and jingles, to promote buy-in and public acceptance. The Agency should also involve religious and traditional institutions and encourage them to use their platforms for these campaigns. These and many more initiatives will help in addressing the growing resentment.
The leadership of NURTW and Achaba should enlighten their members on the importance of abiding by all rules and regulations and ensure they possess all necessary documents to operate legally. The general public, on the other hand, should understand that these officers are legally engaged and work in strict adherence to the law establishing the Agency. Any attempt to obstruct them or prevent them from discharging their lawful duties will be considered an act of sabotage and will attract the full wrath of the law.
These and other similar initiatives will help bring sanity to road operations while creating an enabling environment for peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationships between the Agency and road users.
Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is of No 555, Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi. He can be reached via makwalla82@gmail.com or 08033665510, 08028437306
