A traffic enforcement operation in Benin City, Edo State, turned violent on Saturday after an official of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) allegedly bit off a portion of a commercial driver's skin during a confrontation over an alleged traffic violation.

The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media following the circulation of a viral video, reportedly involved an EDSTMA official identified as Subaru Donald and the driver of a commercial mini-bus whose identity could not immediately be confirmed.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the altercation began when EDSTMA officials attempted to apprehend the driver for allegedly violating the state's vehicle colour code regulations. The driver reportedly refused to stop, prompting a chase through parts of Benin City before his vehicle became immobilized, leading to his arrest.

The situation subsequently degenerated into a physical struggle between the driver and the traffic official.

Reports indicate that during the scuffle, the driver allegedly sustained a severe bite injury on his back, with a portion of his skin reportedly torn off.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Subaru Donald defended his actions, alleging that the driver had endangered his life during the encounter.

According to him, the driver ignored attempts by EDSTMA officials to stop him and instead drove away with him inside the vehicle.

Donald claimed he was effectively held against his will as the driver continued moving despite appeals from colleagues and bystanders to stop.

"He held me hostage in his vehicle and his colleagues were telling him to stop, but he refused," Donald said in the video.

"We started struggling with each other. Suddenly, he brought out a big stone and wanted to smash my head with it."

The EDSTMA official maintained that he acted in self-defence after allegedly being attacked by the driver during the confrontation.

The circumstances surrounding the biting incident remain unclear, while authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The development has generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of both parties and the enforcement methods employed by traffic management officials in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Traffic Management Agency nor the Edo State Police Command had released an official statement regarding the incident.