In a disturbing incident in Lagos, a LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) official was violently attacked and set on fire by a commercial bus driver and his assistant. The attack took place in the Cele area, close to Mile 2, while the officers were trying to enforce traffic regulations.
According to reports, the driver and conductor attempted to flee after being stopped for a traffic violation. In a shocking act of aggression, they poured petrol on the LASTMA officer and ignited it, causing the officer to suffer severe burns. A video of the incident shows the moment when the driver set the officer on fire during the altercation.
The injured LASTMA official was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs for LASTMA, stated that the agency is dedicated to ensuring safety and order on the roads, as mandated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
In light of this brutal attack, LASTMA is calling on all drivers to comply with traffic laws and respect the authority of its personnel. The agency has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation and will take decisive action against those responsible for such attacks.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by traffic management officials in Lagos and the need for cooperation from the public to maintain road safety.