LASTMA Official Set Ablaze By Commercial Bus Driver, Assistant In Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says an official of the agency has been attacked with his body set on fire by a commercial bus driver and his assistant, in the Cele area of Lagos.

The attack was said to have caused severe bodily harm to the traffic officer. According to the traffic agency, the attackers allegedly poured petrol on the officer before setting him on fire in their bid to evade arrest.

LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, stated this in a press release on Tuesday.

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The incident, captured in a video, showed 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.

He said, “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 explained that the injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

He said in spite of the incident, LASTMA is committed to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

He therefore urged all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel.