The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority disclosed on Tuesday that one of its officials sustained severe injuries when the driver of a commercial Volkswagen T4 bus, licence plate LSD 355 CK, allegedly set both his vehicle and LASTMA personnel ablaze in an attempt to evade arrest.
This information was shared in a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, on X.com.
According to LASTMA, the incident occurred in the Cele area, inward Mile 2, after officers intercepted the bus for violating traffic regulations.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, licence plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.
“This shocking incident occurred today, Tuesday, 5 November 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 the arrest, the driver and his conductor became violent, 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 taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.”
LASTMA condemned the attack, emphasising its commitment to upholding road safety and law enforcement as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
The agency appealed to all drivers to comply with traffic laws and respect the authority of its personnel, adding that it will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against its officers and is committed to taking firm legal action against those responsible for the incident.
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