A commercial driver is currently on the run after a violent incident in which he caused severe bodily injuries to a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer in the Mile 2 area on Tuesday. The driver, who is believed to be behind the wheel of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, violently resisted arrest and fled the scene, leaving the officers injured.
LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq confirmed the disturbing incident in a statement issued to PUNCH Metro. According to Taofiq, LASTMA operatives had intercepted the commercial bus for a traffic violation in the Cele inward Mile 2 area of the state. When the officers attempted to arrest the driver, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation.
“The driver and his conductor became agitated and resorted to hostile tactics,” Taofiq explained. “They began by pouring petrol on the officers and their vehicle, before setting both the vehicle and several officers on fire in a desperate attempt to evade capture.”
The situation quickly turned hazardous as the driver set the vehicle ablaze, endangering the lives of the LASTMA officers present. One officer sustained severe burns from the attack and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. Authorities have not disclosed the officer’s identity, but their condition is reported as critical.
The video footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows the driver aggressively spraying petrol and starting a fire on the commercial bus, which quickly engulfed the vehicle in flames. The violence and the brazen nature of the attack have left many residents and commuters in shock.
Following the attack, the driver and his conductor fled the scene before any further action could be taken. Police are actively searching for the individuals involved, and efforts are underway to track down the vehicle, which bears the license plate LSD 355 CK.
In response to the incident, LASTMA authorities condemned the violence and called for swift action against the perpetrators. “This is an unfortunate and dangerous act that cannot be tolerated,” said Taofiq. “Our officers put their lives at risk daily to maintain order on our roads, and such brutality must not go unpunished.”
This incident highlights growing concerns over the safety of traffic management officers who are often subjected to hostile situations while enforcing road safety regulations. Despite the challenges they face, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring law and order on the streets of Lagos.
As investigations continue, residents of Lagos are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect. The attack has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater protection for those working in law enforcement across the state.
