Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A shocking incident occurred on Tuesday in Lagos when a commercial bus driver allegedly set himself, his bus, and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on fire in an attempt to evade arrest.
According to LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the driver was intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile-2 area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver and his conductor became aggressive when LASTMA officials attempted to arrest them, pouring petrol on the officers and engaging in physical attacks.
The situation escalated, resulting in the driver setting the bus and himself ablaze. A LASTMA officer suffered severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Bakare-Oki condemned the incident, stating that LASTMA remains committed to maintaining order and ensuring safety on Lagos roads, as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
He urged all drivers to comply with traffic regulations and respect LASTMA personnel.
Bakare-Oki stated: “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.
“This shocking incident happened on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.
“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile-2 area.
“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.
“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”
The incident highlights the growing concerns about violence against traffic officials in Lagos.
Authorities have pledged to investigate the incident and take necessary actions to prevent such occurrences in the future.
