LASTMA Officers Set Ablaze by Commercial Bus Driver in Violent Clash Over Traffic Violation

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, involving a Volkswagen T4 bus with license plate LSD 355 CK

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has condemned a violent attack on its personnel by a commercial bus driver and his conductor who allegedly set both officers and their vehicle on fire to avoid arrest.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, involving a Volkswagen T4 bus with license plate LSD 355 CK.

According to a statement from LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, officers intercepted the vehicle for violating traffic regulations in the Cele area, heading towards Mile 2.

As officers attempted to carry out the arrest, the driver and his conductor allegedly escalated the situation by dousing the personnel with petrol and setting them ablaze. One officer suffered severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. The agency stressed it would not tolerate violence or intimidation against its officers and vowed to take decisive action against the perpetrators.

In a warning to commercial drivers, LASTMA urged compliance with traffic regulations and respect for law enforcement, noting that this act of aggression would not go unpunished.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 bus setting both his vehicle and officers ablaze in a bid to evade arrest. This shocking incident will be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible will face the full weight of the law,” the statement read.

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