The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that an official of the agency was brutally attacked with his body set on fire by a commercial bus driver and his assistant, popularly known as ‘Conductor’, in the Cele area inward 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.
LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a release to journalists on Tuesday.
He remarked that the incident, 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.
According to him, “The altercation occurred Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after LASTMA officials intercepted the vehicle for violating traffic regulations near Cele, heading toward Mile 2.
“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.
“In the course of the 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.”
Adebayo added that the injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
He, however, said that, “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.”
He added that the agency strongly urged all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel, stressing that LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against the culprits.
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