The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported a violent assault on one of its officers by a commercial bus driver and his conductor while the officer was carrying out official duties on Tuesday.
Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
“LASTMA is aware of a disturbing video showing a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus driver, with the license plate LSD 355 CK, attacking a LASTMA officer by setting both the vehicle and the officer on fire in a desperate attempt to escape arrest,” Adebayo said. “The incident took place on Tuesday, November 5, when the driver aggressively resisted arrest after being intercepted for violating traffic rules in the Cele area, near Mile 2.”
Adebayo explained that the driver and conductor, in the course of the arrest, became enraged and violently attacked the officers, pouring petrol on the LASTMA officer and physically assaulting those present.
The injured officer, who sustained serious burns, was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Adebayo reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring road safety as outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. He also called on commercial drivers and all road users to adhere to traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA officers.
“LASTMA will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation, and will take strong legal action against those responsible,” he warned.
