In a shocking incident on Tuesday morning, a commercial bus driver in Lagos allegedly set himself, his vehicle, and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on fire in a desperate attempt to avoid arrest.
The driver, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, reportedly resorted to this extreme act after being flagged down by LASTMA officials for a traffic violation.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the incident, describing it as both disturbing and unprecedented.
“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,” Bakare-Oki stated.
The incident took place in the Cele inward Mile-2 area, where LASTMA officials had intercepted the driver for violating traffic regulations.
According to Bakare-Oki, the situation quickly escalated, with “the driver and his conductor erupting into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.”
Tragically, one LASTMA officer suffered severe burns and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
LASTMA has emphasized its commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety, as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
In a strong warning to all motorists, Bakare-Oki urged compliance with traffic regulations and respect for LASTMA personnel.
“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” he affirmed.
