A Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer has been brutally attacked and set on fire today by a commercial bus driver attempting to evade arrest.
Adebayo Taofiq, director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, revealed in a statement.
Taofiq encouraged all commercial and private drivers to adhere to traffic laws and respect LASTMA personnel. He warned that the agency would not tolerate acts of violence or intimidation and promised strong measures against those responsible for the attack.
According to him, the unfortunate incident, captured in a disturbing video, shows the driver of a Volkswagen T4 bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel in a violent confrontation.
The altercation occurred Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after LASTMA officials intercepted the vehicle for violating traffic regulations near Cele, heading toward Mile 2. The driver and his conductor resisted arrest, launching into an aggressive confrontation that escalated to physical violence. Amid the chaos, the driver reportedly poured petrol on the LASTMA officers before setting them and his vehicle ablaze.
The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care.
LASTMA has condemned the attack, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining order and road safety as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation and pursue legal action to bring those involved to justice.
