Eribo narrated that the assault occurred as he sought to address complaints about indiscriminate parking and road obstruction.
He said the council had previously served notices to the transporter, but defied compliance. He said, “On assumption of office, I discovered that each time I go to the office, there is always serious traffic gridlock caused by the Muyi Line. So I decided to visit the transport company repeatedly meeting with the manager who walked out on us on our last visit and suddenly some hoodlums there attacked us.
“I had to place a call to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, who detailed additional security personnel from Government House, to ensure that the situation did not escalate further,” Eribo said.
“After the thugs were apprehended, we had asked the management of the transport company to come to the Council to sign an undertaking after several appeal from well meaning individuals. I’m surprised that the same people are the ones now quick to run to social media misrepresenting the situation.
“We even learnt that previous administrations have had their buses confiscated at a point over this same traffic obstruction.”
He dismissed claims that the operation was intended to harass transport operators or target Muyi Line. “Our intervention was purely about public safety. We cannot fold our arms while lives are being put at risk daily. It was never a witch-hunt or an attempt to embarrass anyone,” Eribo said.
The council boss explained that the traffic operation is part of a broader initiative to keep major roads within Egor safe, accessible, and orderly.
“We are determined to make driving in Egor stress-free and accident-free. Every action we take is guided by the need to protect residents and motorists,” he added.
“Our engagement is about partnership, not confrontation,” he said, noting that discussions with both companies are ongoing to find workable solutions.
He urged residents to ignore false reports circulating online. “Governance sometimes requires tough decisions for the greater good. Our only aim is a cleaner, safer, and more orderly Egor,” Eribo added.