Ebonyi State Command of Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday said that the Command will commence the strict enforcement of existing traffic laws across the State noting that those that contravene any of the traffic laws will be sanctioned.

In a statement in Abakaliki which Guardian obtained a copy in Abakaliki the Command Police Public Relations Officer SP Joshua Ukandu noted that the enforcement became necessary following the increasingly disturbing trend of motorists disregarding traffic regulations and neglecting basic road safety protocols, thereby endangering the lives and property of other road users.

SP Ukandu further explained that the development follows concerns over the growing rate of traffic violations and the directive of the Inspector-General of Police for immediate and sustained enforcement of traffic regulations nationwide.

He added that the Command in compliance with this directive, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and other relevant personnel to ensure strict compliance with traffic laws within their respective areas of responsibility.

“The Command wishes to emphasise that no one is exempt from the enforcement exercise, including serving police officers and other security personnel. All road users are expected to comply fully with extant traffic regulations” the statement stated.

“Motorists are particularly reminded that failure to produce their vehicle particulars and valid driver’s licence when lawfully requested by a police officer constitutes an offence” the statement added.

“Other violations include disobedience to traffic signs and signals, driving against traffic (one-way), and the use of vehicles with defective or non-functional tail lights, among other traffic offences”.

According to the statement the Commissioner of Police has further directed officers deployed for the enforcement exercise to discharge their duties with professionalism, civility, restraint, and respect for the rights and dignity of members of the public.

“The Command, in turn, calls on motorists and other road users to cooperate with law enforcement officers and respect them while they carry out their lawful duties”.

The statement further read “The Ebonyi State Police Command remains unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property, maintain public safety, and ensure a secure environment for all resident of the State”.

“The ongoing enforcement is aimed not at inconveniencing law-abiding citizens, but at promoting responsible road use, reducing preventable road crashes, and making Ebonyi State safer for everyone”.

“The Command therefore urges all road users to obey traffic regulations, exercise caution, and make road safety a shared responsibility”.