The Abia State Harmonized Task Force, ASHTF, has reacted to a trending video where its officials were pulling out a truck driver in an attempt to have control of his vehicle.
The video caused outrage among many viewers, with calls for a probe into the deadly drama.
But while confirming that the video was that of its staff, the ASHTF said it regretted any inconvenience it may have caused the public.
A statement issued by Miracle Chukwunenye, the media officer of the Abia Task Force team, said that the driver of the impounded vehicle violated the restricted time of 7 am to 8 pm but vehemently refused to comply with the operatives' instructions to step down from the vehicle.
According to him, the Task Force officials overreacted by using force to affect the removal of the truck driver before impounding his vehicle.
Chukwunenye, who recalled that Abia State government had previously imposed a ban on heavy-duty trucks from operating during the day from 7am to 8pm, said the measure by the government was to curb the high incidence of accidents involving articulated vehicles on major roads.
He blamed the incident on the alleged refusal of the truck driver to cooperate with the Abia State Harmonized Task Force men and thereby urged the Abia public to avoid resistance or any attack on the personnel when they were on duty.
“We promise to reorient our operatives and ensure they follow established procedures during enforcement”, Chukwunenye appealed.
