The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that one of its officials was violently attacked and set on fire by a commercial bus driver and his Conductor’, in the Cele area, heading towards the Mile 2 axis of Lagos.
It was gathered that the attack caused severe bodily harm to the traffic officer as the attackers allegedly poured petrol to set the officer on fire while trying to evade arrest for alleged traffic violation.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the driver was seen setting his bus ablaze in an act of anger and defiance. The video quickly gained traction, prompting a response from LASTMA. Adebayo Taofiq, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, confirmed the incident in a statement.
In a statement released, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, said the incident which was captured in a disturbing video, shows the driver of a commercial bus, a Volkswagen T4 bus, licensed plate LSD 355 CK, pouring petrol on a LASTMA personnel in a violent confrontation.
“LASMA management is aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, with the number plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest,” Taofiq stated. She further explained that the incident occurred when the bus was intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele area, heading towards Mile 2.
“The altercation occurred Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after LASTMA officials intercepted the vehicle for violating traffic regulations near Cele, heading toward Mile 2.
According to Taofiq, the altercation escalated when the driver and his conductor aggressively resisted arrest.
“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,” she said.
The situation took a grave turn when the LASTMA officer involved was severely burned after the attackers allegedly poured petrol on him and set him alight. The officer was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital for urgent medical treatment.
“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment,” the statement read.
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The incident has drawn widespread concern, with LASTMA reiterating its commitment to maintaining order on Lagos roads. Taofiq emphasized that the agency would not tolerate violence against its officers.
“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,” she stated.
The agency also issued a stern warning to drivers across Lagos. “LASTMA strongly urges all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel. LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” Taofiq concluded.
This violent attack is the latest in a series of tense confrontations between traffic management officers and commercial drivers in Lagos. LASTMA has called for greater cooperation from the public to prevent such incidents from escalating further.
