There was palpable tension around the Mile 2 area of Lagos State as a driver and his conductor set a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official on fire.
The unidentified driver was also reportedly burned in the incident, while another LASTMA official and the bus conductor escaped.
The incident created serious traffic gridlock around Mile 2 and other parts of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as the movement of vehicles was halted.
The conductor and the injured driver were reportedly preventing their bus from being impounded when the incident occurred.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofik, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.
The agency 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 event transpired today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression from LASTMA officials.
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The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.”
LASTMA also continued, “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 the 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 agency strongly urged 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.
